Pindi, Multan to host Pak-Eng Tests

PCB Chief assures that ECB is satisfied with arrangements

Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the uncertainty surrounding the venues for the upcoming three-match Test series between the national team and England.

Media reports indicated that the series, originally set to begin on October 7, may face a schedule change, with the venue potentially shifting to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to ongoing renovations at major stadiums in Pakistan.

England head coach Brendon McCullum, speaking at The Oval before England's third Test against Sri Lanka, expressed frustration over the uncertainty.

"We don't really know (what is happening in Pakistan) but we can't pick a team until we know where we're going to play," he said. "It would be nice if, over the next couple of days, we found out."

In response to the concerns, Naqvi confirmed that the Test series will proceed in Pakistan, with matches being held in Multan and Rawalpindi. He also assured that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is satisfied with the arrangements. "The home Test series against England will be held in Multan and Rawalpindi," Naqvi said.

"We are in touch with the England board and they are satisfied," he added. The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, is scheduled to take place from October 7 to 28.

Naqvi also confidently stated that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted in Pakistan, despite ongoing uncertainty about India's participation in the tournament.

The event is scheduled to be held from February to March 2025, but India's involvement remains unclear as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awaits government approval for the team's visit.

"Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, we are in touch with the BCCI Secretary," he said.

"[We are] also in contact with the boards of the teams participating in the Champions Trophy," he concluded.

PCB's high profile meeting to discuss captaincy changes

The Pakistan Cricket Board is set to convene a significant "Connection Camp" on September 22, aimed at charting the future course of Pakistan cricket.

This high-profile meeting will bring together the PCB's top officials, including white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie, heads of high-performance centers, senior cricketers, board officials, and both international and domestic directors. The camp will be presided over by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The meeting comes in the wake of recent coaching and leadership evaluations. Kirsten returned to his home country after submitting a detailed report to the PCB in July, while Gillespie departed for Australia following the Bangladesh Test series.

The "Connection Camp" will serve as a platform for discussions on critical decisions, including potential changes in team leadership.

Sources indicate that separate meetings will be held for the red ball and white ball coaches to deliberate on their respective formats. Among the key topics on the agenda will be the potential replacement of captains for the shorter and longer formats of the game.

There is considerable speculation about a change in the white ball captaincy, with wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan emerging as a strong contender. Additionally, the captaincy of Test skipper Shan Masood will be reviewed.

The PCB's recent decision to overlook Babar Azam for the Champions One-Day Cup has fueled speculation that his tenure as captain may be under review. The possibility of appointing a new captain for the one-day international and T20I formats is high, with changes expected ahead of Pakistan's tour to Australia in November.

Sources suggest that if Rizwan's name is discussed and accepted, he could be appointed as captain across all three formats in the future.