PCB chief confirms Multan and Rawalpindi as venues for Pakistan, England Test series

Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the uncertainty surrounding the venues for the upcoming three-match Test series between the national team and England.

Media reports indicated that the series, originally set to begin on October 7, may face a schedule change, with the venue potentially shifting to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to ongoing renovations at major stadiums in Pakistan.

England head coach Brendon McCullum, speaking at The Oval before England's third Test against Sri Lanka, expressed frustration over the uncertainty.

“We don’t really know (what is happening in Pakistan) but we can’t pick a team until we know where we’re going to play,” he said. “It would be nice if, over the next couple of days, we found out.”

In response to the concerns, Naqvi confirmed that the Test series will proceed in Pakistan, with matches being held in Multan and Rawalpindi. He also assured that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is satisfied with the arrangements.

“The home Test series against England will be held in Multan and Rawalpindi,” Naqvi said.

“We are in touch with the England board and they are satisfied,” he added.

The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, is scheduled to take place from October 7 to 28.

Naqvi also confidently stated that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted in Pakistan, despite ongoing uncertainty about India's participation in the tournament. 

The event is scheduled to be held from February to March 2025, but India’s involvement remains unclear as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awaits government approval for the team's visit.

“Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, we are in touch with the BCCI Secretary,” he said.

“[We are] also in contact with the boards of the teams participating in the Champions Trophy,” he concluded.