Karachi
In a move reminiscent of the pre-Covid-19 days, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to host the second Test against Bangladesh at Karachi’s National Stadium behind closed doors. The PCB said the difficult decision was taken due to ongoing construction work at the stadium in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy early next year. Pakistan will play Bangladesh in a two-Test series starting August 21, which is part of the ICC Test Championship schedule.
The board said in a statement, “We understand that our enthusiastic spectators play an important role in cricket who inspire and encourage our players. However, the health and safety of our fans is our top priority.” According to the statement, “After carefully considering all the available options, we have decided that the safest way is to organize the second Test in an empty stadium.” The board said that as a result of this decision, the sale of tickets for the second Test to be played from August 30 to September 3 has been suspended with immediate effect.
The board said, “Fans who have already bought tickets will automatically get a full refund which will be credited to the account details given while purchasing the ticket.” Pakistan changed its plan to make a big reshuffle in the national team and included senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Test team for the two-match series against Bangladesh. Questions were being raised about playing this trio due to their poor performance in the T20 World Cup in June.
After losing to USA and India, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi had talked about the need for major changes in the team. After consulting foreign head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, the PCB decided not to take any action against the players. The PCB retained Shan Masood as the captain of the red ball team.