Sri Lanka’s second Test against Pakistan has been shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to rising smog levels in the provincial capital, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday.
The match was initially scheduled to be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21. However, it will now take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium over the same dates.
A PCB spokesperson confirmed that the decision was made in view of the prevailing weather conditions and increasing smog levels in Lahore.
The relocation comes amid concerns over deteriorating air quality in the city, which regularly experiences severe air pollution during the winter months. Cooler temperatures, stagnant atmospheric conditions and emissions from vehicles and industrial activities contribute to the accumulation of smog, potentially affecting players, officials, support staff and spectators during outdoor sporting events.
Meanwhile, the venue change comes after two days of play in the opening Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Sri Lanka were trailing Pakistan by 320 runs.
Batting first, Pakistan declared their innings at 434 for nine after 106.3 overs, with Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, captain Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and all-rounder Arafat Minhas scoring half-centuries.
In reply, Sri Lanka reached 114 for three in 27.1 overs before bad light forced play to end early for the second consecutive day.
