Pakistan vs. Bangladesh: Karachi Test to be Held Without Spectators Due to Stadium Renovations
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided that the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled to take place at Karachi’s National Stadium from August 30 to September 3, will be played without spectators. This decision was made due to ongoing construction work at the stadium as part of a broader renovation effort by the PCB to upgrade venues ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host.
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is also undergoing significant upgrades, rendering it unavailable as a venue until February 2025. This leaves Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi as the primary venues for Pakistan’s home Tests, ODIs, and domestic cricket.
Despite the construction at the National Stadium, the PCB opted to keep the Test match in Karachi to avoid logistical and financial losses that would have resulted from moving the match to another location. Multan, the only other viable option, is already set to host Pakistan’s first Test against England on October 7, making a venue change impractical.
There will be no changes to the England Test scheduled in Karachi on October 15, with spectators expected to be allowed for that match. However, for the upcoming Test against Bangladesh, the PCB has suspended ticket sales and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to fans.
In a statement, the PCB emphasized that “the health and safety of our fans is our utmost priority,” explaining that holding the Test without spectators was the safest course of action given the ongoing construction. The board assured fans that the upgrades are aimed at enhancing their future experience at the stadium.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh squad has arrived in Lahore ahead of schedule to begin training at Gaddafi Stadium, following disruptions to their preparation caused by political unrest in Bangladesh. The team will train for three days before traveling to Rawalpindi for the first Test, which begins on August 21.
This tour marks Bangladesh’s first return to Pakistan since their bilateral series in 2020, which was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PCB’s invitation to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to arrive early was extended to ensure the visiting team had “adequate and fair training opportunities” ahead of the Tests.
