New Delhi: The upcoming two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will see the first game hosted at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the second Test scheduled to take place at Karachis National Stadium starting August 29. However, in a surprising move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the second Test will be played behind closed doors due to ongoing renovations at the National Stadium.Renovation work leads to spectator banThe PCB stated that the decision to play the second Test without spectators was made due to essential construction work at the National Bank Stadium. This renovation is part of the preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be held in Pakistan. The PCB expressed regret over this decision, acknowledging the crucial role fans play in supporting and motivating the players.“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 August 30 to September 3, without spectators in attendance,” said the PCB.Criticism from Kamran AkmalThe PCBs decision has faced criticism from former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal. Akmal voiced his dissatisfaction, suggesting that the match could have been relocated to another venue, such as Faisalabad or Multan, which also have high-quality stadiums and a passionate fan base.“The second Test match will be played in Karachi, but with the ongoing renovations, it seems like a joke for Pakistans cricket to host a Test without a crowd,” Akmal said in a video on his YouTube channel. He proposed Faisalabad or Multan as alternative venues, stating, “These are top-class stadiums with good facilities and enthusiastic crowds. The decision to play without fans will be an international joke.”
