Photo Credit: ESPNcricinfo
England’s third Test against Pakistan will proceed in Rawalpindi as scheduled, following discussions between England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
There had been concerns about a potential venue change to Multan, where the first two Tests were played, due to protests in Islamabad over the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The England team is staying in Islamabad, which borders Rawalpindi, for the final Test starting on 24 October.
Fears that the protests, which coincide with a major international summit in Pakistan’s capital, might affect the Test were eased after Gould met with PCB officials upon his arrival in Multan. Gould, who had been informed of the potential switch via a report, reached out to UK tour groups and raised the issue with the PCB, who assured him the match would remain in Rawalpindi.
According to a report that while Gould was warned the situation could change, the likelihood of the entire series being played in Multan is now very low, as such a decision could damage Pakistan’s international standing.
After it was first revealed the news that the Test would remain in Rawalpindi, a PCB spokesperson confirmed that the third Test would proceed “as per the schedule.”
This is a relief for the 200 England fans in Pakistan, who had already faced disruption when the second Test was moved from Karachi to Multan due to unfinished ground improvements ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy.
Given Pakistan’s efforts to restore its status as a host for international cricket after the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team, further last-minute changes could discourage other teams from touring the country.
The possibility of all three Tests being held in Multan, a city with strict security measures where foreigners must be escorted by armed guards, was a concern for traveling fans. Derek Myers of Sport Link Travel voiced these concerns, saying: “England supporters do not expect to travel for a three-match series overseas and stay in the same hotel and stadium for the whole thing, especially as we are unable to move around the city freely without a military escort. I very much hope and expect the ECB will fight against this possible change.”
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
