The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing challenges in finalizing the schedule for the upcoming Test series against England, causing frustration for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Barmy Army, a group of passionate English cricket supporters.
The PCB has assured that the final schedule will be released within 24 to 48 hours. England is set to tour Pakistan early next month for a three-match Test series.
According to the original plan, the first Test was scheduled for October 7-11 in Multan, the second for October 15-19 in Karachi, and the third for October 24-28 in Rawalpindi. However, construction at Karachi’s National Stadium has forced its removal as a venue, complicating the PCB’s efforts to set a new schedule.
Additionally, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad on October 15 and 16, which will require extensive security and accommodation measures, has made hosting the second Test in Rawalpindi during this period impractical.
The delay has left the ECB and the Barmy Army with limited time to make travel and accommodation arrangements for the series.
While relocating the series to the UAE or Sri Lanka was considered, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that all three matches will take place in Pakistan. The PCB’s International Cricket Department is still working on finalizing the schedule, with potential options including hosting both the first and second Tests in Multan or moving the first and third Tests to Rawalpindi. Faisalabad, not reviewed by the ECB during its August inspection, remains unavailable as a venue option.
PCB officials are coordinating efforts to resolve the issues and hope to release the final schedule in two days, keeping the ECB and the Barmy Army updated throughout.
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