Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has lashed out at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for hosting the second Test against Bangladesh at National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Notably, due to the ongoing construction work at the stadium as part of the preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB has not allowed the crowd the game.
However, the decision hasn’t gone down well with Akmal who called it a joke for Pakistan cricket that matches are played without any crowd. The former wicketkeeper-batter said that the board could’ve arranged the game in some other stadium as Pakistan have many options.
“The second Test match will be played in Karachi. So I think you know that there is a renovation going on in Karachi. They are preparing a stadium for the Champions Trophy. So it will be a joke of Pakistan that Test matches are being played in Pakistan without a crowd. And we don’t just have 2-3 stadiums; we also have Faisalabad Stadium. We could have played there too; it is a top-class stadium. So much cricket has happened there,” Kamran said in a video uploaded from his YouTube channel
Further speaking ahead, Akmal suggested that Multan stadium would’ve been a good option calling PCB’s decision an international mockery of their cricket.
Pakistan’s unbeaten record over Bangladesh
“There is a stadium in Multan. And you know that Multan Stadium is very good. And the crowd also comes there. So you know that this is your stadium; you could have put another Test match at one of these two venues. So it would have been good. So I think it will be an international mockery of our cricket. These things should not happen,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the first Test beginning from August 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Bangladesh arrived in Pakistan four days in advance to prepare for the series due to the ongoing political turmoil in their country. Notably, Pakistan have an unbeaten record over Bangladesh having beaten them in 12 out of the 13 matches played between the two teams. Hence, the Shan Masood-led side will be eager to continue their dominant record in the upcoming series as well.
Source Agencies
