PCB delays England Test series schedule due to venue ambiguities

The upcoming Pakistan-England Test series faces schedule delays as the PCB struggles with venue complications.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is encountering difficulties in finalising the schedule for the upcoming Test series against England, leading to frustration from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Barmy Army, a dedicated group of English cricket fans.

The PCB has promised to announce the final schedule within 24 to 48 hours.

England is scheduled to tour Pakistan early next month for a three-match Test series.

According to the original schedule, the first Test was set for October 7-11 in Multan, the second for October 15-19 in Karachi, and the third for October 24-28 in Rawalpindi.

However, due to ongoing construction at Karachi’s National Stadium, the venue has been removed, complicating the PCB’s efforts to finalise an alternative schedule.

Previously, one of the Test matches in Pakistan’s series against Bangladesh had also been moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to similar issues.

The situation has been further complicated by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on October 15 and 16.

Heads of state from various countries will be attending the summit, leading to stringent security and accommodation requirements in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

As a result, hosting the second Test in Rawalpindi during this period is no longer feasible.

The delay in finalising the schedule has led to mounting frustration from the ECB and the Barmy Army, as they are left with limited time to arrange travel and accommodation for the series.

While the PCB considered relocating the series to the UAE or Sri Lanka, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently confirmed that all three matches will be held in Pakistan.

The PCB's International Cricket Department has yet to finalize the new schedule. Sources suggest that options under consideration include hosting both the first and second Test matches in Multan or moving the first and third matches to Rawalpindi. Faisalabad, which is currently hosting the Champions Cup, was not reviewed as a potential venue by the ECB during its inspection in August, further limiting the available options.

PCB officials have stated that all relevant departments are working closely to resolve the scheduling issues.

The board hopes to release the final schedule within the next two days, while continuing to update the ECB and the Barmy Army on the situation.