Second Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi over smog

RAWALPINDI BUREAU —The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday shifted the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from Lahore to Rawalpindi amid worsening smog conditions in the Punjab capital. According to an official announcement issued by the PCB, the match, originally scheduled to be played in Lahore from November 17 to 21, will now take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on the same dates. “The second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, originally scheduled to be played in Lahore from November 17 to 21, has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to prevailing weather conditions,” PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said in a post on X.

He said the decision was taken in view of increasing smog levels in Lahore and concerns over deteriorating air quality. It may be mentioned that Lahore has been grappling with severe smog for the past 10 days, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reportedly touching 600 , placing it among the world’s most polluted cities.

The venue change means both Tests of the two-match series will now be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The first Test is currently under way at the same venue. Pakistan declared their first innings at 434 for nine on the second day, with Saud Shakeel top-scoring with 93. Sri Lanka were 114 for three in their second innings when bad light stopped play.

Sri Lanka have been touring Pakistan since early October. Pakistan won the three-match T20I series 2-1 before claiming the ODI tri-series, which also featured England. The ongoing Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.