Karachi out, Multan in: PCB adjusts test shifts for Pakistan-West Indies series

The first Test match of the series between Pakistan and the West Indies has been relocated from Karachi to Multan, Express News reported.

According to sources, the first Test will now be played from January 16 to 20, while the second Test, as per the original schedule, will take place in Multan from January 24 to 28.

Initially, the first Test was scheduled to be held at Karachi's National Stadium. However, due to ongoing construction work at the stadium, the match has been moved to Multan.

The board had also relocated the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, originally scheduled in Karachi, to Rawalpindi, where it was played in October.

Three venues—Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore—are set to host matches of the 2025 Champions Trophy. All but seven teams are expected to visit Pakistan for the eight-nation tournament as India to play it’s all the matches on a neutral venue.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) began renovation work at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi in August this year.

The PCB remains confident that all three venues will be ready ahead of the Champions Trophy, which was last held in 2017, when Pakistan defeated arch-rival India in the final.