PCB confirms no spectators will attend Bangladesh Test in Karachi

The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled from August 30 to September 3 in Karachi, will be played without spectators due to ongoing construction work at the National Stadium, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday.

The decision is part of a broader renovation plan by the PCB as it upgrades its venues in preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan.

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is also undergoing significant upgrades, making it unavailable as a venue until February 2025, ahead of Pakistan's first ICC tournament since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

Despite the construction, the PCB opted to keep the Karachi Test on schedule as part of its strategy to distribute seven home Tests, ODIs, and domestic matches across Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

Moving the match to another venue, such as Multan, which is set to host Pakistan's first Test against England from October 7, was considered unfeasible due to financial commitments already made for accommodations, flights, and security.

This Test series is not expected to generate substantial revenue, making the decision to remain in Karachi even more critical.

The PCB has also confirmed that there are no changes to the England Test scheduled in Karachi from October 15, where spectators are expected to attend.

Calling it a "difficult decision," the PCB has immediately suspended ticket sales for the second Test against Bangladesh. The board had only recently advertised ticket sales for the match.

"The health and safety of our fans is our utmost priority," the PCB stated. "After careful consideration of all available options, we have decided that the safest course of action is to hold the second Test in front of an empty stadium. While we deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience."

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh squad arrived in Lahore four days earlier than planned to begin training at Gaddafi Stadium before traveling to Rawalpindi for the first Test, starting on August 21.

The early arrival was made possible after the PCB extended an invitation to ensure Bangladesh players had "adequate and fair training opportunities" ahead of the series.

The team's preparations had been disrupted due to ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's last bilateral tour of Pakistan took place in 2020 but was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.