Lahore smog forces shift of Pakistan-Sri Lanka second Test to Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has moved the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to worsening smog and declining air quality in the provincial capital.

According to an official PCB announcement, the match, initially scheduled for November 17 to 21 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, will now be held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on the same dates.

PCB spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed the decision in a post on X, saying the venue was changed because of prevailing weather conditions and rising smog levels in Lahore.

The city has been experiencing severe smog for the past 10 days, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) reportedly reaching 600, placing it among the most polluted cities worldwide.

Following the change, both matches of the two-Test series will be played in Rawalpindi, where the first Test is currently underway.