Cricket fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming Pakistan-England Test series are in for a bit of uncertainty. With less than a month to go, the series, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, might not take place in Pakistan after all.
The reason? Construction delays at key stadiums are raising concerns, making a relocation to the UAE or Sri Lanka more likely.
Stadium Woes Threaten Series
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is racing against the clock as incomplete construction at stadiums in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Multan poses a serious challenge. These construction projects are all part of Pakistan’s preparation for hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, a major event that the country is excited to showcase.
However, these upgrades have put the PCB in a difficult position. If construction is paused to accommodate the Pakistan-England Test series, the stadiums may not be ready in time for the Champions Trophy. This leaves the PCB with few options — either move the series or risk jeopardizing the preparations for the 2025 mega-event.
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The Alternatives
The PCB is currently exploring alternative venues for the series. While the UAE seems like the most practical option, there’s a catch. The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is scheduled to take place in Dubai and Sharjah from October 3 to 20, overlapping with the Pakistan-England series.
This scheduling conflict leaves only Abu Dhabi as a potential venue in the UAE. Not ideal, but possible. If the UAE doesn’t work out, Sri Lanka is being considered as a backup option. With time running out, the PCB is in talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to finalize the plan. A decision is expected soon, but the uncertainty is leaving both teams and fans in limbo.
Barmy Army’s Concerns
Adding to the drama, the Barmy Army — England’s dedicated group of traveling fans — has expressed frustration over the lack of clarity. Chris Millard, the Managing Director of the Barmy Army, shared a statement on X (formerly Twitter) addressing the confusion.
“With just over a month to go until the start of the test series between England and Pakistan, we, like everyone else, remain in the dark about whether or not it will actually be played in Pakistan,” Millard said.
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He highlighted the work the Barmy Army has already done to help fans plan trips to Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The uncertainty has created a logistical nightmare, not only for the Barmy Army but also for the fans who were looking forward to traveling.
One thing is certain, though — if Pakistan wants to keep the series at home, it will need to find a quick solution to the stadium situation. Otherwise, cricket fans might have to pack their bags for Abu Dhabi or Sri Lanka instead.
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