PCB shifts second Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test to Rawalpindi amid rising Lahore smog
PCB shifts second Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test to Rawalpindi amid rising Lahore smog
By Nawaz Gohar ; In a strategic decision driven by environmental concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially relocated the second Test match of the upcoming series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from Lahore to Rawalpindi.
The high-stakes fixture, originally scheduled to take place at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21, will now be staged at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the same dates.
Confirming the venue change, a PCB spokesperson revealed that escalating smog levels and deteriorating air quality across Lahore prompted the board to act swiftly in order to safeguard the health of the players, match officials, and spectators.
"The decision to shift the second Test to Rawalpindi was taken primarily due to the prevailing weather conditions and increasing smog in Lahore," the PCB spokesperson stated. "Ensuring optimal playing conditions and prioritizing player welfare remain our top concerns."
Lahore routinely experiences heavy winter smog during mid-November, often causing reduced visibility and hazardous air quality indices that interfere with outdoor international sporting events.
By transitioning the fixture to Rawalpindi, the PCB aims to ensure uninterrupted action on a surface known for producing high-scoring, competitive Test cricket. The match schedule remains unchanged, with the opening ball set to be bowled on November 17.
