Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Match Relocated to Rawalpindi Due to Smog

The second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been relocated from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to severe smog conditions affecting the city. This decision comes as Lahore faces significant air quality issues, prompting concerns from broadcasters about the match's viability. The PCB's efforts to extend the cricket season in Lahore have taken a hit, as this would have been the first international match held there after November 1 since 2007. The match is still scheduled to take place from December 17 to 21, with the first Test already underway.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 11, 2026, 08:39 IST

Test Match Venue Change

The second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi, where the first Test was held. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made this decision due to the "prevailing weather conditions," as reported by a sports news outlet.

Lahore is currently experiencing severe seasonal smog, a common issue affecting both India and Pakistan from October to December. According to IQAir, a Swiss organization that monitors air quality, Lahore ranks among the most polluted cities globally.

Concerns were raised by broadcasters regarding the potential impact of the smog on the quality of the broadcast if the match were to proceed in Lahore. Following a decline in air quality earlier this week, broadcasters were advised against making travel plans to the city, prompting the PCB to consider relocating the Test match.

This change is a setback for the PCB's initiative to extend the cricket season in Lahore into early autumn. If the match had remained in Lahore, it would have marked the first international game held there after November 1 since 2007.

It is worth noting that a white-ball series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in November 2020 was also moved from Lahore to Rawalpindi. Similarly, a Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan was relocated from Multan to Karachi in December 2022.

The schedule for the second Test remains unchanged, set to occur from December 17 to 21.

In the first Test, Pakistan batted first after being put in by Sri Lanka. Key contributions came from Saud Shakeel (93 runs off 199 balls), Tayyab Arif (57 runs off 51 balls), Mohammad Taha (51 runs off 105 balls), captain Babar Azam (50 runs off 58 balls), and Arafat Minhas (52 runs off 72 balls), leading the hosts to a total of 434/9 declared.

Asitha Fernando (3 wickets for 107 runs) and Dilshan Madushanka (3 wickets for 108 runs) were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka.

At the end of day two, Sri Lanka was at 114/3, with Kamindu Mendis (40 not out) and Dhananjaya de Silva (22 not out) at the crease.