Chris Millard, the managing director of the renowned Barmy Army, a group of passionate England cricket fans, voiced his frustration following reports that the Test matches against Pakistan might be relocated to a different country.
Media in the region have suggested the schedule for next month’s three-match series could be altered due to construction work at the proposed grounds.
England are currently scheduled to play the first Test in Multan from October 7, followed by matches at Karachi and Rawalpindi, but renovations ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy are understood to be causing issues at the latter two venues.
It is understood the prospect of moving one or more of the games to the United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka has been suggested, with the England and Wales Cricket Board awaiting developments.
Following the reports, the Barmy Army released the statement of Chris Millard on their official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“With just over a month to go until the start of the test series between England and Pakistan, we, like everyone else, remain in the dark about whether or not it will actually be played in Pakistan,” the statement stated.
“Since the schedule was announced, the Barmy Army has been working hard to give England fans the opportunity to travel to Multan, Karachi and Rawalpindi – all of which have already been visited by members of our team in preparation for this tour.
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The uncertainty around the schedule and host cities is affecting everyone involved, from us, the fans, to the England team.
“It is incredibly frustrating and fans are being left in the dark. Moreover, the precarious situation could ultimately lead to the Barmy Army, including our trumpeter, being unable to travel for the series.
“Should there be any further change to the schedule, we would have to consider if it is financially feasible to send Finchy. This would be a huge shame for the test series as we know how much the players, fans and locals value it.”
England coach Brendon McCullum also addressed the issue on Thursday while speaking to reporters at The Oval ahead of the third Test against Sri Lanka.
“We don’t really know (what is happening in Pakistan) but we can’t pick a team until we know where we’re going to play,” he said.
“It would be nice if, over the next couple of days, we found out.”
The former New Zealand captain added: “Then we’ll sit down and make sure we’ve got the right team for the right conditions and the right opposition.”
