Pakistan shift Zimbabwe T20Is from Lahore to Rawalpindi
The Gaddafi Stadium Lahore will no longer stage the three T20I matches between Zimbabwe and Pakistan due to the onset of severe seasonal smog in the city.
The T20Is will be moved to Rawalpindi, meaning all six matches of the Zimbabwe tour will take place in the same city.
Zimbabwe to stay in Rawalpindi
The dates of all the matches remain unchanged according to PCB CEO Wasim Khan.
“We have been keeping a close eye on air quality forecasts over the last two weeks,” Khan said. “Following the sudden deterioration in air quality and now further expected air pollution in November, we have made a swift decision to move the matches scheduled in Lahore.
“The early onset of hazardous pollution and subsequent poor air quality meant that the risk to keep matches in Lahore at this stage was too great. An early decision was made to ensure logistical challenges could be dealt with sooner rather than later. We cannot and will not compromise on the health and well-being of the players or officials.”
This is the second venue for part of the Zimbabwe tour as just a fortnight ago logistical challenges forced the PCB to replace Multan, originally pencilled in to host three matches alongside Lahore. A disagreement between the PCB and the city government in Multan over financial outlay prompted the board to decide to take the ODIs to Rawalpindi.
Karachi for PSL
Karachi will now find itself playing host to the four Pakistan Super League (PSL) knockout matches, including the final set for 17 November.
Lahore faces increasingly high levels of seasonal smog in November and December and the early onset of said smog has rendered the city unfit to host cricket, as scheduled, in the second week of November.
The PCB would ordinarily avoid hosting matches in the North of the country in November-December and prefers the southern part of the country during what is the beginning of their winter. Other considerations influenced the original choices but conventional wisdom prevailed in the end.
Smog is less of an issue for Pakistan’s Southern-most city of Karachi with the breeze off the Arabian Sea dispersing dust and pollution.
Latest
-
Test cricketNew Zealand skipper Kane Williamson content with scrappy draw in India
Williamson was pleased with his side’s final day fight.
-
County CricketJoe Root repeats claim he cannot recall any instances of racism at Yorkshire
Former Yorkshire team-mate Azeem Rafiq questioned Root’s denial when he gave evidence to MPs earlier this month.
-
The AshesJosh Inglis happy just to be in the Australia Ashes conversation
Josh Inglis is a real Ashes contender.
-
The AshesThe Ashes: Cricket Australia prepare for Brisbane warm-up washout
The Ashes are bearing down on both England and Australia with neither side enjoying ideal preparation.
-
The AshesBen Stokes details frightening choking incident that he feared would end him
The England all-rounder is preparing for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
-
Test cricketFirst Test: Bangladesh vs Pakistan – Day four – Scorecard
Follow Bangladesh vs Pakistan
-
-
EnglandAshley Giles calls for second chances in fight against racism in cricket
The England managing director said people must be given ‘the chance to rehabilitate’ and called for education on the issue.
-
The AshesAshley Giles hopeful Ben Stokes will be ready to face Australia in Ashes opener
The all-rounder took an indefinite break in July to prioritise his mental well-being and rest a fractured finger.
-
Test cricketTaijul Islam and Abid Ali shine in Chittagong
Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam claimed a five-wicket haul while Abid Ali scored a century for Pakistan as the first Test is finely poised.