Multan to host back-to-back test matches between England and Pakistan next month

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Multan will host back-to-back test matches between Pakistan and England next month after Karachi was ruled out due to renovation work at the National Bank Stadium, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Friday.

England will arrive in Multan on Oct. 2 and play two test matches between Oct. 7-19. It will then travel to Rawalpindi for the final test starting Oct. 24.

Karachi was due to host the second test but the National Stadium is undergoing a major facelift for next year’s Champions Trophy.

“Despite minor adjustments, we are committed to supporting fans and ensuring a memorable tour,” Usman Wahla, PCB director international, said in a statement. “We look forward to a fiercely competitive test series and showcasing Pakistan’s renowned hospitality.”

The series is part of the World Test Championship in which England is ranked sixth and Pakistan is languishing at the No. 8 spot just ahead of bottom-placed West Indies.

Pakistan has struggled at home and is winless in tests since beating South Africa in 2021. Since then, it has lost six test matches, including a 2-0 defeat against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.

England recorded a 3-0 sweep when it last toured Pakistan in 2022.

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