PCB shifts second Sri Lanka Test to Rawalpindi over Lahore smog
The PCB confirmed the development on Tuesday, citing deteriorating weather conditions and rising smog levels in Lahore as the reasons behind the venue change
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The second Test will now be staged at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 17 to 21.
PCB
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has relocated the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to worsening smog conditions in the provincial capital.
The match, initially scheduled to take place at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21, will now be staged at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, the dates of the second fixture remain unchanged.
The PCB confirmed the development on Tuesday, citing deteriorating weather conditions and rising smog levels as the reasons behind the venue change.
"The second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, originally scheduled to be played in Lahore from November 17 to 21, has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to prevailing weather conditions," the board stated.
Why was the second Test moved from Lahore?
Lahore has been experiencing hazardous air quality as seasonal smog continues to engulf parts of Pakistan and neighbouring India between October and December.
According to IQAir, Lahore had the worst air quality among cities worldwide on November 10, with the city frequently exchanging positions with Delhi for the highest pollution levels over the preceding week.
The worsening conditions also raised concerns among broadcasters about the quality of television coverage. Sources indicated that broadcasters had expressed reservations about staging the match in Lahore, prompting the PCB to reconsider the venue.
Arrangements for travel to Lahore were reportedly put on hold earlier this week as the board prepared to announce the relocation.
Is this the first time smog has affected cricket in Pakistan?
Poor air quality has previously forced venue changes in Pakistan. A white-ball series against Zimbabwe was shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi in November 2020, while a Test against New Zealand was moved from Multan to Karachi in December 2022.
Meanwhile, the ongoing first Test is being played in Rawalpindi, where Sri Lanka trail Pakistan by 320 runs after the second day's play.
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