Will be an international joke, says Kamran Akmal, criticising PCB for having no spectators for the second Test with Bangladesh

Kamran Akmal, a former wicketkeeper-battler for Pakistan, has attacked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for scheduling the second Test match against Bangladesh on a private location.

The game, which was supposed to be played from August 30 to September 3 at Karachi’s National Stadium, would not be witnessed by the public because of ongoing repairs meant to get ready for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

A two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to begin with a game at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Due to ongoing development at the location, the PCB recently declared that the second Test in Karachi would not be held in front of spectators due to safety concerns.

Akmal is leading the opposition to the PCB’s decision, which he views as ill-thought out and potentially embarrassing for Pakistani cricket.

The location of the second Test match is Karachi. Thus, I believe you are aware that Karachi is undergoing renovations. A stadium is being set up for the Champions Trophy. In a video that was posted from his YouTube account, Kamran stated, “So it will be a joke of Pakistan that Test matches are being played in Pakistan without a crowd.”

We don’t only have one or two stadiums. Kamran Akmal

Akmal contended that the PCB had other possibilities, citing as feasible locations Faisalabad and Multan in particular.

“And we have more than just two or three stadiums; Faisalabad Stadium is one among them. We could have played there as well since it’s a very good venue. There have been a lot of cricket events. There’s a stadium in Multan after that,” he continued. The former cricket player talked candidly about the calibre and draw of Multan Stadium.

Also Read: In the Rawalpindi Test, Pakistan will give it their best against Bangladesh

“You are aware of Multan Stadium’s excellent quality. And the throng visits there as well. As you are aware, this is your stadium; one of these two locations may have hosted another Test match. Thus, it would have been beneficial. Thus, I believe that our cricket will become an international joke. These incidents ought not to occur,” Akmal said in closing.