Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to rising smog

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from Lahore to Rawalpindi amid worsening smog and deteriorating air quality in the provincial capital. The match, which was originally scheduled to be played at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, will now take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 17 to 21.

The venue change will not affect the original schedule, with the five-day contest set to begin on the same date. Rawalpindi is already hosting the opening Test of the two-match series, meaning both matches will now be played at the same venue.

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In its official announcement, the PCB said the decision had been taken due to "prevailing weather conditions". A PCB spokesperson also confirmed that increasing smog levels in Lahore had prompted the relocation of the fixture.

Lahore's rising smog forces PCB to change Test venue

Lahore has been experiencing worsening air quality in recent days, with seasonal smog raising concerns about outdoor activities in the city. The deteriorating conditions also put the second Test at Gaddafi Stadium under a cloud, eventually leading to the PCB's decision to move the match to Rawalpindi.

According to reports, broadcasters had also expressed concerns about the quality of television coverage if severe smog persisted in Lahore ahead of the match. They were reportedly advised earlier in the week not to make travel arrangements to the city for the second Test.

The PCB, however, officially attributed the relocation to prevailing weather conditions, with its spokesperson identifying rising smog levels as a factor behind the decision.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test to be played in Rawalpindi

With the change in venue, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host both Tests of the ongoing series. The first match is already being played at the venue, while the second Test will begin on November 17 and conclude on November 21.

The relocation also means Lahore will not host the second Test as originally planned. The PCB has retained the dates, avoiding any changes to the series schedule.

Pakistan Cricket has seen venue changes due to smog before

This is not the first time air pollution has affected Pakistan's international cricket schedule. In November 2020, a white-ball series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, which was originally scheduled to be played in Lahore, was moved to Rawalpindi amid concerns over smog.

Similarly, a Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand was shifted from Multan to Karachi in December 2022.

The latest decision highlights the impact of Lahore's recurring winter smog on the scheduling of international cricket. With the second Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test now moved, Rawalpindi will host both fixtures of the series, with no change to the November 17–21 dates.