Second Test Shifted to Rawalpindi Amid Smog Concerns

The second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to severe smog conditions affecting air quality. This decision comes as broadcasters expressed concerns over the visibility and quality of the match in Lahore. The PCB's efforts to extend the cricket season in Lahore face a setback, as this relocation marks a significant change in the cricketing calendar. The match is still scheduled to take place from December 17 to 21, despite the venue change. Stay tuned for updates on the ongoing first Test match and player performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 11, 2026, 08:49 IST

Second Test Relocated Due to Pollution Concerns

The upcoming second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been relocated from Lahore to Rawalpindi, where the first Test was held. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) attributed this decision to the "prevailing weather conditions," as reported by a sports news outlet. Lahore is currently experiencing severe seasonal smog, which impacts both India and Pakistan during the months of October to December. According to IQAir, a Swiss organization that monitors air quality, Lahore ranks among the most polluted cities globally.

Broadcasters raised concerns regarding the broadcast quality in Lahore due to the thick smog enveloping the city. Earlier this week, air quality in Lahore deteriorated further, prompting broadcasters to refrain from making travel plans to the city while the PCB deliberated on the match's relocation. This decision is a setback for the PCB's initiative to extend the cricket season in Lahore into early autumn. If the match had proceeded in Lahore, it would have marked the first international game held there after November 1 since 2007.

Previous Instances of Relocation

This is not the first time a match has been moved due to similar concerns. In November 2020, a white-ball series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi. Additionally, in December 2022, a Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan was relocated from Multan to Karachi. The schedule for the second Test remains unchanged, set to occur from December 17 to 21.

First Test Match Update

In the first Test, Pakistan batted first after being put in by Sri Lanka. Key contributions came from Saud Shakeel, who scored 93 runs off 199 balls, Tayyab Arif with 57 runs off 51 balls, Mohammad Taha with 51 runs off 105 balls, captain Babar Azam with 50 runs off 58 balls, and Arafat Minhas with 52 runs off 72 balls. The team declared at 434/9. For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka were the leading wicket-takers, each claiming three wickets. At the end of day two, Sri Lanka was at 114/3, with Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva remaining not out at 40 and 22 runs, respectively.