PCB confirms change in venue for second Test against New Zealand

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, confirmed that the second Test of the upcoming historic home series against New Zealand has been shifted from Multan to Karachi.

According to the PCB, the decision was taken citing the deteriorating weather condition in Multan and both cricket boards have mutually agreed to shift the venue.

Earlier, the sources privy to the matter told A Sports that the PCB proposed a request to the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to change the venue for the second Test.

Besides the change in venue, the second Test and upcoming ODI series between the two teams have also been advanced by a day.

“It has also been agreed between the two boards that the second Test and the three ODIs will now be brought forward by a day, meaning the second Test will commence on 2 January with the three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures to be played on 9, 11 and 13 January,” said PCB in a statement.

Notably, flight operations in Multan are already disturbed due to dense smog which can also pose a dent to the playing overs in the city.

It is pertinent to mention that the English team also experienced a flight delay on their way back from Multan to Karachi due to dense smog in the prior-mentioned city.

Revised itinerary:

26-30 December – 1st Test, Karachi
2-6 January – 2nd Test, Karachi
9 January – 1st ODI, Karachi
11 January – 2nd ODI, Karachi
13 January – 3rd ODI, Karachi

READ: Haris Rauf ties knot with class fellow in a star-studded Nikah ceremony