Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has cleared the air on speculations about one of the Tests between Pakistan and England being moved out of the country.
Recently, reports have emerged claiming that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering moving a three-match Test series between Pakistan and England overseas due to ongoing work at stadiums.
Pakistan will host England in October for three Test matches. The first match will be played on October 7 in Multan, while the second match will be played in Karachi on October 15. Moreover, the third and final match will be played in Rawalpindi on October 24.
While stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are undergoing major renovations, the PCB is reported to have thought of shifting a match to Abu Dhabi. It is noteworthy that Pakistan recently hosted Bangladesh for two Test matches and both the matches were played in Rawalpindi due to construction work in Karachi.
Apart from construction, security is also reportedly a major concern for the Pakistan Cricket Board as the Shanghai Cricket Organisation (SCO) meeting is scheduled in the country from October 15-16, and the security and accommodation demands that come with it have ruled out Rawalpindi as an option for the second Test.
No open-air Tests will be played – Mohsin Naqvi
Amidst all the rumours and speculations, Mohsin Naqvi broke his silence on the matter and stated that all the matches of the Test series between Pakistan and England will be played in the country. He also revealed that the PCB is in touch with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding this matter.
“There will be no outdoor Test matches. The venues of Multan and Rawalpindi are final. We are in touch with the England management and there are no issues,” he told reporters on Saturday, September 7.
Mohsin Naqvi further revealed that construction works are progressing quite well at all venues. Naqvi further stated that a new stadium will be built in Islamabad, which will be modelled on the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and an international hotel chain will also be built near the Gaddafi Stadium.
“Construction is progressing rapidly in Karachi. In Islamabad, a new stadium will be built on the model of the Dubai stadium,” he added.
“The construction of the hotel near Gaddafi Stadium will begin after the Champions Cup. An international hotel chain will be contracted to generate income for the junta,” he said.
Recently, Pakistan suffered a 0-2 thrashing at the hands of Bangladesh in the two-match Test series at home. Meanwhile, Pakistan players are currently busy with preparations for the Champions Cup and after that, the national team will play a Test series against England.
It is reported that when Pakistan take the field against England in the Test series, they will be playing with a new captain, Mohammad Rizwan, as Shan Masood is on the verge of being sacked from the post after failing to register a win in his first 5 Test matches.
