In a surprising turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, set to take place in Karachi, will be played without any spectators.
This decision comes as a result of ongoing construction work at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, which is being prepared for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year.
No Fans in the Stands
The Karachi Test match, scheduled from August 30 to September 3, will unfold in an empty stadium. The PCB made this difficult call due to the construction at the venue, prioritizing the safety and logistics over fan attendance.
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“We understand the vital role that our enthusiastic supporters play in cricket, providing encouragement and inspiration to our players. However, after thoroughly considering all options, we have concluded that the safest course of action is to hold the match without spectators,” the PCB stated.
What About the Tickets?
With this decision, ticket sales for the Karachi Test have been suspended immediately. Fans who have already purchased tickets will receive a full refund. The PCB reassured fans that the refund process would be smooth, with the amount credited back to the account details provided during the purchase.
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Looking Forward
While the absence of fans is disappointing, the PCB remains committed to preparing the stadium for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. They appreciate the understanding and support of the cricketing community as they make necessary adjustments for future events.
Although this means cricket fans will miss out on watching the action live, the PCB encourages fans to continue supporting the team from afar as Pakistan takes on Bangladesh in what promises to be an exciting Test series.
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