The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Wednesday that there will be no spectators for the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh owing to construction at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The second series is scheduled for August 30 to September 3, with the PCB saying in a statement that it was a “difficult decision” to hold the Test without an audience.

“We understand the vital role that our passionate spectators play in cricket, providing inspiration and motivation to our players,” the board said.

“However, the health and safety of our fans is our utmost priority. After careful consideration of all available options, we have decided that the safest course of action is to hold the second Test in front of an empty stadium.”

Ticket sales have been suspended with immediate effect, the PCB said, adding that fans who have already purchased tickets will receive a full refund.

“While we deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience.

It said that the renovations were part of the board’s commitment to making the venue more spectator-friendly and preparing it for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be the first ICC event hosted in Pakistan since 1996.

The Bangladesh squad arrived in Lahore on Tuesday for the test series and were scheduled to train at Gaddafi Stadium from Aug 14 to 16 before travelling to Islamabad on Aug 17 to practice at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Aug 18 to 20.

The opening Test will be played from Aug 21 to 25 in Rawalpindi.

Last week, PCB announced that pacer Naseem Shah will return to the Test side for the home series against Bangladesh after 13 months on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury.

Opinion

Editorial

At breaking point
Updated 20 Jan, 2025

At breaking point

The country’s jails serve as monuments to bureaucratic paralysis rather than justice.
Lower growth
20 Jan, 2025

Lower growth

THE IMF has slightly marked down its previous growth forecast for Pakistan’s economy from 3.2pc to 3pc for the...
Nutrition challenge
20 Jan, 2025

Nutrition challenge

WHEN a country’s children go hungry, its future withers. In Pakistan, where over 40pc of children under five are...
Kurram conundrum
Updated 19 Jan, 2025

Kurram conundrum

If terrorists and sectarian groups — regardless of their confessional affiliations — had been neutralised earlier, we would not be at this juncture today.
EV policy
19 Jan, 2025

EV policy

IT is pleasantly surprising that the authorities are moving with such purpose to potentially revolutionise...
Varsity woes
19 Jan, 2025

Varsity woes

GIVEN that most bureaucrats in our country are not really known for contributions to pedagogical excellence, it ...