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

The Pakistan Cricket Board has relocated the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to deteriorating air quality. The match, originally slated to occur from November 17 to 21, will now be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the same timeframe. PCB spokesperson Amir Mir disclosed the decision on X, citing the city’s severe smog and rapidly increasing Air Quality Index (AQI) of 600, which places Lahore among the world’s most polluted cities.

Lahore has experienced this smog issue for the past ten days. The venue change implies that both fixtures of the two-match series will now take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The first Test is currently in progress at the same stadium, with Pakistan scoring 434 for nine in their first innings, led by Saud Shakeel’s 93-run performance.

Sri Lanka was at 114 for three in their second innings when play was halted due to bad light. Sri Lanka embarked on a tour of Pakistan in early October. Pakistan had secured a 2-1 victory in the preceding three-match T20I series and also won the ODI tri-series, which included matches against England. The ongoing Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.