Pakistan will play Karachi Test against Bangladesh without spectators

This development is part of the development as the PCB prepares its venues ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy in February-March. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is similarly being developed ahead of Pakistan’s first ICC tournament since 1996, when it hosted the 1996 World Cup against India and Sri Lanka.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the decision was taken to keep the Test in Karachi because the PCB was willing to spread their seven home Tests, ODIs and domestic cricket across three venues in Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi. Multan, which was the only option, is expected to host Pakistan’s first Test against England from October 7.

There is no change in the plans for the England Test scheduled in Karachi from October 15, and spectators are expected to be there.

Calling it a “difficult decision”, the PCB has stopped the sale of tickets for the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Karachi with immediate effect.

“The health and safety of our fans is our top priority,” the board said in a statement. “After considering all the available options, we have decided that the safest way is to hold the second Test in front of an empty stadium.

“While we deeply regret the potential disruption, we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing development of the platform is aimed at improving their experience.”

The Bangladesh team arrived in Lahore four days before they started training after the players’ preparations were interrupted due to the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. The team will train for three days at Gaddafi Stadium before moving to Rawalpindi for the first Test which will start on August 21.

The early departure came after an invitation from the PCB to the BCB to ensure Bangladesh players had “adequate and appropriate training opportunities” ahead of the Test.

Bangladesh’s previous tour of Pakistan was in 2020, but that tour was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.