Smog Forces Second Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test Out of Lahore

Rawalpindi: The second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been relocated from Lahore to Rawalpindi, with the PCB citing “prevailing weather conditions” as the reason for the shift.

The decision was driven by severe seasonal smog that has engulfed Lahore, a phenomenon that affects parts of India and Pakistan between October and December. At the time of the announcement, Lahore had the worst air quality of any city in the world according to IQAir, a Swiss technology company monitoring air quality. Over the past week, it has frequently swapped places with Delhi for the poorest air quality globally.

The relocation carries implications beyond the playing conditions. Cricinfo understands that broadcasters had expressed reservations about the quality of the broadcast in Lahore should the match proceed under severe smog. Earlier in the week, as air quality deteriorated, they were told not to make travel arrangements to Lahore for the second Test, with the PCB preparing to make a public decision on the venue.

A Blow to Lahore’s Ambitions

The move undercuts the PCB’s efforts to extend the cricketing season in Lahore into early autumn. Had the second Test proceeded at the Gaddafi Stadium, it would have been the first time since 2007 that an international match was held in the city later in the year than November 1.

Hazardous air quality in Punjab, particularly in Lahore, has repeatedly disrupted cricket in this part of the season. In 2020, a white-ball series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in November was moved from Lahore to Rawalpindi. In December 2022, a Test against New Zealand was shifted from Multan to Karachi.

The dates for the second Test remain unchanged. The match will be played from November 17 to 21, with both sides now remaining in Rawalpindi, where the first Test is currently underway.

                                               

Relevant news