Pakistan-England series expected to be shifted to Sri Lanka or UAE

Pakistan are all set to take on England in a three-game Test series, starting on Saturday, October 7. However, the series is facing some uncertainty as incomplete preparations of the stadium have increased the likelihood of relocating the matches to the UAE or Sri Lanka. 

The series is a part of the ongoing WTC cycle. The first Test was scheduled from October 7 to October 11, in Multan, while the second and third Test was supposed to take place in Karachi and Rawalpindi. Currently, construction works are in full swing in the mentioned venues, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing the venues for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Hence, if the construction gets halted to play the Test series, it will put a hefty dent in PCB's plans to conduct the Champions Trophy. Also, the arrival of England’s Barmy Army fan group has been posing another problem, and hosting the matches without a crowd is not a feasible option. 

In light of these issues, the PCB is looking for some alternatives where the series can be held. The UAE is being looked at as an option, but there are some scheduling conflicts due to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, which is set to take place from October 3 to October 20, and overlaps with the Pakistan-England series.

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PCB in touch with ECB regarding alternative venues

The final decision on the matter will be made in the upcoming days after some discussions with the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board). Interestingly, Pakistan will be coming into the series on the back of a two-test loss to Bangladesh.

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The side’s confidence would be heavily dented after their loss to Bangladesh; however, they will hope to put in their best showing against England and pull off an upset. It is yet to be decided where the final venue of the series will be, but an announcement is expected very soon.