The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has confirmed that Pakistan will host all three Test matches against England in October. After examining construction work at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, he reportedly told the media that Multan and Rawalpindi would host all three Tests.
The second Test will not be held in Karachi, originally supposed to host it due to ongoing repairs at the National Stadium. A conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is scheduled for October 15–16 in Islamabad. This eliminates the possibility of the second Test taking place in Rawalpindi. The need for security and accommodations associated with holding that Test in the capital’s twin city is intolerable, given the arrival of the heads of numerous member nations.
Because of this, the PCB has discussed relocating one Test entirely outside of Pakistan; in that case, Abu Dhabi would have been the best choice. After ten years of Test cricket in the UAE, Pakistan moved their home Test matches back to Pakistan in 2018. This was the final time Pakistan played there. Due to the Women’s T20 World Cup being held nationwide, the other two UAE venues—Dubai and Sharjah—will not be accessible.
Although Naqvi’s remarks theoretically disprove any idea that a Test in that series would be held outside of Pakistan, the PCB still needs to issue an official statement. The board has not formally confirmed the locations for all three of this series of Test matches.
There is a lot of pressure to act quickly. Although a sizable contingent of England supporters is anticipated for the series, logistical plans cannot be finalized until sites are confirmed. Brendon McCullum, the head coach of England, also mentioned that his team needed to know the locations ahead of time to select a team appropriate for the playing circumstances.