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Pakistan captain with Sri Lanka captain - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, the 2nd Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is all set to be moved out of Lahore. Due to the rising air pollution levels in Lahore, the 2nd Test has now been relocated to Rawalpindi.
Notably, Lahore has an AQI of 495, which falls under the hazardous category. Therefore, the broadcasters expressed their concern over the quality of broadcasting in Lahore. Hence, the PCB came to a decision to play the 2nd Test in Rawalpindi only.
The board made it clear that the change of venue won’t affect the dates of the 2nd Test. The upcoming fixture will be played from November 17-21.
High Levels Of Pollution Disrupt PCB’s Special Plan
For the unversed, Lahore has never hosted a Test match later than November 1 since 2007. It would have been the first time in 19 years that the Gaddafi Stadium would have witnessed a Test match in November. However, the recent development is a massive blow to PCB’s plan.
Talking about Rawalpindi, it is presently hosting the 1st Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The air is unhealthy in Rawalpindi as well, but the levels are half of what the situation is in Lahore. At present, Rawalpindi has an AQI of 211.
Further, a western disturbance is expected to bring rain on Thursday in Rawalpindi, which is expected to improve the air quality in the region.
Pakistan in driver’s seat in 1st Test at Rawalpindi
The recent update can bring a sense of joy within the Pakistan camp because the Babar Azam-led side are actually doing well in the ongoing Test. The hosts, batting first, put 434 runs on the board, courtesy of a 93-run innings by Saud Shakeel.
Further, Babar Azam also scored a fifty. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are struggling and have already lost 3 wickets for 122 runs on the board. The island nation has a big task on its hands. Saqib Khan has been the pick of the bowlers with 2 scalps to his name.
