Karachi test Archives

PCB shifts second Pakistan-Bangladesh Test from Karachi to Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced to move the second of the two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi.

The cricket board took this decision owing to the ongoing construction work in the National Bank Stadium in Karachi to prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

“Due to the deployment of heavy construction equipment and the need to adhere to tight redevelopment schedules for the National Bank Stadium, which is being prepared for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, has decided to move the second ICC World Test Championship fixture to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium,” the PCB stated in a press release.

“This decision allows cricket spectators and fans to watch the live action of both the Tests, which serve as a preview of a busy and hectic international season for Pakistan cricket. During this period, the national side will play a total of nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs from 21 August to 5 April.

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“We have been guided by the construction experts on the timelines for the readiness of the venue. They advised that while construction could continue during playing hours, the resulting noise pollution would disturb the cricketers.

“Additionally, the dust from the construction work could also affect the health and well-being of the players, officials, broadcasters, and media.

“Given that construction must continue uninterrupted to ensure the venue is operationally ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB, after consulting all stakeholders and reviewing operational and logistical matters, has decided to hold both Tests in Rawalpindi.

“At this stage, we will not like to speculate on the hosting of the second Test in Karachi from 15-19 October and will continue to work closely with the architects and construction experts on the safe and secure hosting of the match, while keeping the England and Wales Cricket Board updated.”

The Test series will commence in Rawalpindi, with the first Test scheduled to begin on 21 August. Meanwhile, the second Test match is scheduled to be played from 30 August to 3 September.

READ: Pakistan set for rare feat after 28 years in Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh

Pakistan, Bangladesh to play Karachi Test without spectators

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced that the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled in Karachi, will be played without spectators.

The second Test is scheduled to be played from 30 August to 3 September, however, due to the ongoing construction work in the National Bank Stadium, the match will be played with empty stands.

“In light of ongoing construction work at the National Bank Stadium as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made the difficult decision to hold the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled from 30 August to 3 September, without spectators in attendance,” the cricket board said in a statement.

“We understand the vital role that our passionate spectators play in cricket, providing inspiration and motivation to our players.

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“However, the health and safety of our fans is our utmost priority. After careful consideration of all available options, we have decided that the safest course of action is to hold the second Test in front of an empty stadium.”

The PCB also announced that the ticket sales have been stopped, however, the fans, who have already grabbed their passes will get a refund.

“As a result of this decision, ticket sales have been suspended with immediate effect. Fans who have already purchased tickets will receive a full refund automatically, with the amount credited to the account details provided at the time of purchase.

“While we deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience.

“The renovations are part of our commitment to making the venue more spectator-friendly and preparing it for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be the first ICC event hosted in Pakistan since 1996.”

READ: Jason Gillespie invites Arshad Nadeem to visit Pakistan dressing room

Ollie Pope gifts his shoes to young Pakistani fan in Karachi Test

KARACHI: England’s wicket-keeper batter Ollie Pope surprised a young Pakistan by giving him a special gift on Tuesday in the final Test at National Bank Cricket Arena.

England sealed a sensational eight-wicket early on day four of the third Test and became the first team to clean-sweep Pakistan in a Test series at home.

Soon after the conclusion of the match, Pope went towards the stands where a few enthusiastic young Pakistani fans were waving at him. He responded to their affection by tossing his shoes towards one of the children.

Pope remained one of the leading run-getters for England in the Test series as he accumulated 238 runs with help of a century and two fifties.

Moreover, the English player also gifted signed cricket balls to Pakistani fans present in the stadium as a token of appreciation.

It is pertinent to mention here this was England’s first Test tour of Pakistan since 2005.

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‘We’ve to build team’ Babar backs new players after England whitewash

KARACHI: After Pakistan’s dismal 0-3 series whitewash against England, skipper Babar Azam has taken complete responsibility for the disappointing results, saying as a captain he will be at the forefront to defend the team.

Speaking at a press conference after England sealed a comprehensive eight-wicket win in the final Test on Monday, Babar said his side lacked experience players, especially the injuries to their bowling mainstays remained a major blow for the team.

“We played some good cricket in patches, but overall we could not finish the games properly,” he said. “And we too are very disappointed over the results and the series loss”

Babar added that his team perceived batting as their strength since their key bowlers were unfit but losing back-to-back wickets on several instances proved costly for the team and caused the defeats.

“Pitches were equal for both teams. We’ve to give credit to the English team for the way they played and utilized the conditions” he added.

Pakistan captain expressed that the team is in the building phase and he could not change things drastically in a week or two.

“We’ve to build the team,” he said.”We have to back the new players and give them proper chances and some time,”

Talking about his captaincy, Babar dispelled the impression there was any additional burden on him due to the role, saying: “I enjoy the captaincy and try my best to do whatever I can for the team.”

Moreover, the Pakistan captain also put his weight behind team management and said they had vast experience and services for the team.

“Their job is to share their experience and plans with us, in the end as players it is our responsibility to execute those plans,” he added.

READ: England beat Pakistan in final Test to complete 3-0 series whitewash

ICC Chief Executive attends Pakistan-England final Test in Karachi

KARACHI: International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Geoff Allardice on Monday attended the third day of the final Test between Pakistan and England, here at National Bank Cricket Arena on Monday.

According to the details, Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Faisal Hasnain and ICC Director Zakir Khan warmly received Mr Allardice on his arrival at the stadium.

ICC Chief Executive witnessed the play on the third day as England’s historic tour of Pakistan draws closer to its conclusion.

At the end of the day’s play, England made 112 for the loss of two wickets in the final innings and are now just 55 runs away from completing the whitewash over Pakistan.

The visiting side had already defeated Pakistan in the first two Tests of the three-match series in Rawalpindi and Multan.

READ: WATCH: Brendon McCullum climbs fence at Karachi Stadium

WATCH: Brendon McCullum climbs fence at Karachi Stadium

KARACHI: England coach Brendon McCullum took it upon himself to make a day for an English fan when he climbed up the fence at the National Bank Cricket Arena to unhook the shirt on Monday.

McCullum’s athletic moves to quickly jump the fence received loud applause from the fans standing on the other side.

The incident happened on the third day of the final Test between England and Pakistan when the former New Zealand cricketer apparently tossed a shirt to an English spectator in the stands which ended up stranded on the wrong side of the fence.

The 41-year-old, however, did not hesitate to mount the wires and throw the shirt back to the crowd.

Did you think there’s anything Brendon McCullum can’t do?

We had a shirt mishap trying to throw it over a fence…

BAZ TO THE RESCUE 🦸‍♂️#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/vxKDOOikwx

— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) December 19, 2022

It is pertinent to mention here that McCullum took charge of the England Test side as head coach earlier this year and with his attacking approach, often dubbed as ‘Bazball’, led England to six victories out of seven Tests during the home summer.

In his first away assignment, McCullum’s side has already defeated Pakistan in the first two Test and won the three-match series 2-0. With a victory in sight in the final Test as well, England will possibly end the tour with a 100 per cent success rate.

READ: Debutant Rehan shocks Pakistan as England need 167 to complete sweep

Brook’s century takes England on top as Pakistan trail by 29 runs

KARACHI: Centurion Harry Brook and Ben Foakes played astounding knocks to help England gain a vital lead in the first innings as they were bowled out for 354 before the close of the second day’s play, here at National Bank Cricket Arena on Sunday.

Brook smashed his second hundred in consecutive innings to help England close in Pakistan’s first innings total of 304 and stitched a valiant 117-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Ben Foakes to elevate the batting side after were stuck at 145 for the loss of five wickets.

Wicket-keeper Foakes contributed 64 from 121 balls while tailenders Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson chipped in with 35 and 29, respectively to help England finish on a 50-run lead in the first innings.

Pakistan openers, on the other hand, trod very cautiously and denied England a breakthrough before the day’s end as Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood remained unbeaten on 14 and 3, respectively.

At 21 without loss, Pakistan will resume the play on day 3 with a deficit of 29 runs.

With Brook and Foakes on the charge for the most part of the day, spinners topped the bowling charts for Pakistan as Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali bagged four wickets each while Mohammad Wasim took one wicket.

After finding three key wickets in the morning session, Pakistan went through a submissive second session with Ben Stokes’ chaotic run-out proving to be the lone cherishing moment for the team.

Stokes and Brook ended up on the same end of the wicket following a miscommunication for the third run.

Earlier, Ollie Pope starred with an impressive half-century in a spin-dominated first session that helped Pakistan keep England under control.

Nauman Ali struck back-to-back wickets, dismissing Ben Duckett and veteran Joe Root on consecutive deliveries to jitter England’s top order and aided Pakistan to contain England on 140/4 before Lunch.

At 58 for three, overnight batter Pope and Harry Brook braced England for a while before Abrar Ahmed provided a breakthrough to Pakistan and dismissed Pope soon after he made his fifty.

England, who are already 2-0 up in the series, were petrified by the mystery spinner Abrar when he removed Zak Crawley on the stroke of day close after Pakistan were bowled out for 304 in the first innings.

Skipper Babar Azam and Salman Agha notched-up fifties while retiring Azhar Ali managed 45 on the opening day of the Karachi Test when England spinners were on the charge.

Jack Leach and debutant Rehan Ahmed shared six wickets between them with a wicket to part-time Joe Root’s credit as well.

England squad carries out six-hitting practice for Karachi Test

KARACHI: England’s Test squad looked determined to continue their aggressive approach as all the players partook in the robust six-hitting batting drill ahead of the Karachi Test, scheduled to commence on December 17.

A video is making rounds on social media, in which the English squad can be seen participating in a six-hitting practice session at the National Bank Cricket Arena here.

In the video, England’s Test head coach Brendon McCullum was standing behind the stumps, while each English player came out at the crease to slog the ball out of the park off Paul Collingwood.

English players are ready to play Karachi Test in T20 style#Karachi #PakvsEngland pic.twitter.com/F0Kcvhxyeq

— Ali Hasan 🏅 (@AaliHasan10) December 16, 2022

It is pertinent to mention that the England Test team adopted an aggressive approach following the appointment of their head coach McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, often called “BazBall”.

The touring side continued to trouble Pakistan with their ruthless style of playing Test cricket and also created a record for making the most runs on the first day of a Test match in the first match.

The aggressive approach of the English side, has thus far, benefitted them well as they lost just one out of their last eight matches since McCullum and Stokes took reigns.

England also lead the three-match historic Test series against Pakistan 2-0 and will lock horns with the Babar Azam-led Pakistan in the final Test from December 17-21 with Stoke’s sight set on the whitewash.

READ: Imam-ul-Haq ruled out of Karachi Test

‘Own mistakes, not England’s brilliance cause defeats’ argues Imam

KARACHI: Opener Imam-ul-Haq believed that the Pakistan team lost the first two matches of the Test series against England because of its own mistakes rather than anything extraordinary from England’s side.

Speaking to a scheduled press talk on Thursday after Pakistan’s first training session in Karachi, which will host the third and final Test from December 17, Imam said at present England were the only team playing a T20-style and fast-paced Test cricket, arguing Pakistan would continue with their own approach.

“England are the only team who are playing that way. We will play (Test) in our own way. In the end, what matters is if you are winning or not,” he said.

“If we are losing, it is because of our own mistake, not because England are playing too well”

Pakistan have already lost the three-match series by 2-0 after consecutive defeats against the Ben Stokes-led English side following dramatic finishes in both, Rawalpindi and Multan Tests.

Pakistan opener added England had struggled a lot under the captaincy of Joe Root in the past which took them to sixth and seventh position on the ICC Test Championship standings.

“They have changed their style since then and it is yet to be seen if they can continue with this (aggressive) style, especially when they have Ashes and other tours in the next year,” he said.

Talking about England’s tense victories in the first two Tests, Imam said both the games were in our hands at one point but then they slipped away owing to our own errors, adding they would try to keep those mistakes on the backseat and play Karachi Test with new and positive energy.

” We have performed well in Karachi in past as well. We will try not to repeat the same mistakes here” he said.

“Karachi is a bit warmer than Multan and Rawalpindi but the wicket seems similar to that of Multan” he expressed.

He insisted that a win in Karachi was crucial to uplift the team’s morale as it would be playing Test series against New Zealand later in December as well.

New Zealand are scheduled to tour Pakistan for two Tests and three ODIs with the first Test set to commence on December 26 in Karachi.

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Pakistan, England teams reach Karachi for final Test

KARACHI: The squads of Pakistan and England have landed in the city to partake in the upcoming final Test of the historic three-match series, commencing on December 17.

According to the details, both teams reached Karachi on a chartered flight from Multan.

Foolproof security arrangements have been ensured around the airport and on the travelling routes as the teams have left the Jinnah International Airport and headed towards the hotel.

No training session is scheduled today as the players will rest before engaging in the practice from tomorrow at the National Bank Cricket Arena, the venue of the last Test.

England have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after they beat Pakistan in Multan and Rawalpindi Tests.

It is pertinent to mention here that England’s Test side is currently touring the country for the first time in 17 years.

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