The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted the second Take a look at between the 2 sides from Lahore to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium due to extreme seasonal smog within the provincial capital. Notably, the second and ultimate match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will retain its authentic dates, November 17 to 21, 2026.
The two groups are already in Rawalpindi for the series opener. Notably, the match started on Monday (November 9), and the hosts declared their first innings at a total of 434-9, with Saud Shakeel scoring 93 runs off 199 balls. They won’t have to travel between cities after the primary match.
Pakistan Cricket Board Shifts 2nd Take a look at to Rawalpindi As a result of Rising Smog in Lahore
The PCB announced the venue change on Tuesday, November 10, citing worsening air quality in Lahore as the explanation for the choice. In accordance with IQAir, a Swiss air-quality monitoring company, Lahore had the worst air quality amongst cities worldwide at the time.
The PCB confirmed the choice in an official assertion, which learn:
“The second Take a look at match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, initially scheduled to be performed in Lahore from November 17 to 21, has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to prevailing weather conditions.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the choice was taken in view of increasing smog levels in Lahore, prompting the relocation of the second Take a look at to Rawalpindi.”
Broadcasters had additionally reportedly raised issues about the quality of tv coverage if the match went forward in Lahore underneath heavy smog. Because the air quality deteriorated earlier within the week, production groups had been suggested not to make travel preparations to the city.
Lahore Loses First Late-Season International Match Since 2007
The relocation is a setback to the PCB’s efforts to increase Lahore’s cricketing season and host international fixtures in early autumn. Had the second Take a look at gone forward at Gaddafi Stadium, it might have been the city’s first international match held after November 1 since 2007.
This is not the primary time poor air quality has disrupted the country’s cricket schedule. In November 2020, the PCB moved a white-ball series between the hosts and Zimbabwe from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to similar issues. A Take a look at in opposition to New Zealand was additionally shifted from Multan to Karachi in December 2022.
New Delhi has confronted similar disruptions through the winter months, with home matches and international fixtures moved outdoors the capital due to pollution and visibility issues.
Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam Lead Hosts to 434/9 in Ongoing Rawalpindi Take a look at
In the meantime, within the ongoing first Take a look at, Pakistan posted 434/9 declared at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium after Sri Lanka put them in to bat. Saud Shakeel scored 93 off 199 deliveries, together with 9 boundaries.
Tayyab Arif scored 57 off 51 balls, while Mohammad Taha contributed 51 off 105 deliveries. Captain Babar Azam added 50 off 58 balls, and Arafat Minhas chipped in with 52 off 72 deliveries.
Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka had been Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-takers, claiming three wickets every for 107 and 108 runs, respectively. In reply, Sri Lanka reached 114/3 by the top of the second day. Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on 40, while Dhananjaya de Silva was not out on 22.
Supply: cricketaddictor.com
