Pakistan-England Test series could move out of country due to construction delays, reports say

Pakistan was to host England for three Tests in October later this year; however, due to construction delays at three venues – Multan, Karachi and Rawalpindi, the PCB could be forced to move the series out of the country. Per the latest reports, the UAE and Sri Lanka are being discussed as two potential alternatives, as dark clouds also loom over television rights for this series.

As per the reports in the Express Tribune, due to ‘incomplete preparations of the cricket stadiums’, which were under construction for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the organisers could be forced to host this series elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Karachi was supposed to host the second Test of the recently concluded Pakistan-Bangladesh series. However, due to the redevelopment programme at the National Stadium, both matches took place in Rawalpindi. Following the series, which Bangladesh won 2-0, creating history, construction work resumed in Rawalpindi.

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And with two venues in the Gulf—Dubai and Sharjah—hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from October 3 to 20, after the tournament was moved out of Bangladesh due to political unrest in the country, Abu Dhabi is the only option remaining.

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Considering Abu Dhabi has hosted countless Pakistan Tests for the larger part of the last decade, it can host the entire series this time. However, knowing that the third Test is scheduled after the Women’s T20 WC Final, either Dubai or Sharjah can host the final match of the series.

The other option is Sri Lanka, a country with more venues. But, given the monsoon season, PCB is less likely to opt for it despite Sri Lanka's ground staff gaining a reputation for making a ground match-ready regardless of the rainfall.

Past may haunt Pakistan

The Shan Masood-led Test side suffered an embarrassing home defeat against Bangladesh, and is considering what England did to them when they last toured during the 2022 winters (beating Pakistan 3-0 in an away series), they have a lot to ponder as to how to return to the winning ways.

Though they still have a chance to play the World Test Championship (WTC) Final next year at the Lord’s, with their PCT reading a mere 19.5 (placed in the eighth position), Pakistan know they have a mountain to climb in the upcoming Test series.

England, however, has been on a rampage during the home summer, winning five out of as many contested matches. After they beat West Indies (3-0 at home), they clinched the Test series win over Sri Lanka (2-0), with the final Test scheduled on Friday (September 6) at The Oval in London.

(With inputs from agencies)