LAHORE: Rising smog and deteriorating air quality in Lahore have forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to relocate the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from Lahore to Rawalpindi.
The PCB has confirmed that the match, originally scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium, will now take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 17 to 21.
The decision involves only a change of venue, with the original five-day schedule remaining intact. Rawalpindi will consequently host both matches of the two-Test series.
The relocation comes as Lahore continues to experience worsening smog during the winter season, raising concerns about conditions for outdoor sporting activities and the arrangements required to stage an international cricket match.
The move will allow the second fixture to proceed within the existing schedule without requiring any changes to the teams’ planned dates.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka Test Series
The opening Test of the series is already under way at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, having started on November 9 and scheduled to conclude on November 13.
Under the original itinerary announced by the PCB in August, Rawalpindi was selected to host the first encounter, while Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was allocated the second match from November 17 to 21.
However, the latest venue change means Lahore will no longer host a Test during Sri Lanka’s tour, with both fixtures now taking place at the same Rawalpindi ground.
The two-match series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, adding importance to the encounters as Pakistan and Sri Lanka compete for valuable championship points.
