The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a revised schedule for the upcoming series against England, set to take place next month, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty, including speculation that the series might be relocated abroad.
The first two Tests will be held consecutively in Multan, with the final match taking place in Rawalpindi. Karachi has been excluded from the schedule due to ongoing construction at the National Stadium, prompting the PCB to adjust the series' timetable.
According to a PCB statement, "The series will commence in Multan with the first Test from October 7-11, and the second Test, initially planned for Karachi, has been moved to Multan as the stadium in Karachi is undergoing a significant renovation in preparation for next year's Champions Trophy." The second Test is scheduled to begin on October 15, while the third Test in Rawalpindi will be held from October 24.
The England men's cricket team is set to arrive in Multan on October 2 for their second visit to Pakistan in two years. This announcement brings to a close the prolonged wait for clarity by the England and Wales Cricket Board, who had been seeking confirmation of the schedule. There were media reports suggesting that the series might be moved to the UAE, where Pakistan was compelled to host its home matches from 2010 to 2019.
Revised schedule: 7-11 Oct - First Test, Multan 15-19 Oct - Second Test, Multan 24-28 Oct - Third Test, Rawalpindi
