The second Test of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka has been relocated from Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where the first Test is currently being played. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took this decision in the wake of rising smog levels that have polluted Lahore, being a cause of health concerns as well as reducing visibility.
“The second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, originally scheduled to be played in Lahore from November 17 to 21, has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to prevailing weather conditions,” the cricket board’s statement read.
“A spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the decision was taken in view of increasing smog levels in Lahore, prompting the relocation of the second Test to Rawalpindi,” it added.
Smog prompts venue change
Lahore has only hosted two Test games since cricket returned to the country. One of those was played in October last year against South Africa. Pakistan have relied on Rawalpindi, Multan, and Karachi to host most of their Test games in recent times. Smog levels in Lahore in winter are one of the reasons why the venue hasn’t played host to many games.
In fact, none of Pakistan’s ongoing domestic competition games, including Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold, among others, have been scheduled for Lahore.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka look to improve WTC standings
The second Test will be played from November 17 to 21. Currently, the two teams are fighting it out in the first Test game, with Pakistan significantly ahead of the visitors after two days of play.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are already out of contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. But both teams still have plenty to gain from this series. For Pakistan specifically, the series is an opportunity to move from the bottom-most place in the WTC points table. It was the same position they ended the previous cycle in.
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