The second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been moved from Lahore to Rawalpindi because of hazardous air pollution. Lahore recorded an AQI of 495, while Rawalpindi stood at 211. The PCB confirmed that the November 17-21 dates remain unchanged, while the hosts hold the upper hand in the first Test.
Why the Venue Was Changed
Rising pollution in Lahore forced the PCB to rethink its plans. An AQI of 495 falls in the hazardous category, the most severe band on the index.
Broadcasters raised concerns about the quality of coverage under such conditions. The PCB responded by shifting the fixture to Rawalpindi, which is already hosting the first Test.
Air Quality Comparison
Rawalpindi's air is also classed as unhealthy, but its reading is roughly half of Lahore's. The table below summarises the two venues.
| City | AQI | Category / Status |
|---|
| Lahore | 495 | Hazardous |
| Rawalpindi | 211 | Unhealthy |
The gap of 284 AQI points explains why the board chose a relocation over a delay. The match dates were left untouched.
Historical Context for Gaddafi Stadium
Lahore has not hosted a Test later than November 1 since 2007. A November Test at the Gaddafi Stadium would have been the first in 19 years.
The scheduling plan was therefore a break from recent practice. The pollution levels have now undone it.
Key Scheduling Facts
| Metric | Detail |
|---|
| Original venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| New venue | Rawalpindi |
| Match dates | November 17-21 |
| Last Lahore Test after November 1 | Before 2007 |
| Years since a November Test in Lahore | 19 |
Weather Outlook in Rawalpindi
A western disturbance is expected to bring rain to Rawalpindi on Thursday. Rain typically helps clear particulate matter, so the air quality in the region may improve.
The AQI of 211 is still unhealthy, so conditions will need monitoring ahead of the second Test. The forecast offers some relief for players and broadcasters alike.
First Test Snapshot: Pakistan in Control
The relocation comes while Pakistan are doing well in the first Test at Rawalpindi. Batting first, the hosts posted 434 runs, built around a 93-run innings from Saud Shakeel.
Babar Azam also scored a fifty. Sri Lanka have since slipped to 122 for 3 and face a significant task to stay in the contest.
Match Metrics So Far
| Team / Player | Performance |
|---|
| Pakistan (1st innings) | 434 runs |
| Saud Shakeel | 93 runs |
| Babar Azam | Fifty |
| Sri Lanka (current) | 122/3 |
| Saqib Khan | 2 wickets |
Sri Lanka trail Pakistan's total by 312 runs with seven wickets in hand. Saqib Khan has been the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets.
What the Shift Means
Playing both Tests at the same venue reduces logistical uncertainty. The Pakistan camp will also gain from familiarity with the Rawalpindi conditions.
For the PCB, the decision protects broadcast quality and player welfare. It also shows how air quality is becoming a scheduling variable for late-year home fixtures.
The first Test result and the Thursday weather will shape expectations for November 17-21. Rawalpindi will be the venue to watch.