Pakistan vs. Bangladesh Test Match in Karachi to Proceed Without Fans Due to Stadium Renovations

The second cricket test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Karachi will be held without fans on Aug 30 due to ongoing renovations at the National Bank Stadium. Ticket sales have been suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which aims to make the stadium ready for the 2023 Champions Trophy.

The second cricket test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Karachi, starting Aug. 30, will be played without fans due to ongoing construction work at the National Bank Stadium, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Wednesday.

The PCB began renovations at the stadium this month in preparation for next year's Champions Trophy, set to commence on Feb. 19. As a result, ticket sales for the Karachi test have been suspended immediately, with full refunds provided to those who already purchased tickets.

"The health and safety of our fans is our utmost priority," the PCB said in a statement. "After careful consideration of all available options, we have decided that the safest course of action is to hold the second test in front of an empty stadium." The cricket board is committed to making the stadium more spectator-friendly for the Champions Trophy, which will be the first ICC event in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. The first test match will be played in Rawalpindi starting Aug. 21.

(With inputs from agencies.)