PCB Shifts The Three-Match T20I Series Against Zimbabwe From Lahore To Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted three T20Is between Pakistan and Zimbabwe to Rawalpindi because of concerns over the air quality. Earlier it was going to be held in Lahore but due to the deteriorating air quality, PCB cancelled it and shifted it to Rawalpindi.

Earlier, the games were scheduled to be played at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore on November 07,08 and 10. However, now along with the games of the Pakistan Super League, it has been moved out of Lahore.

The Cheif Executive Officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Wasim Khan, said that due to the worsening situation of air pollution in Lahore, the games can’t be scheduled there.

“We have been keeping a close eye on air quality forecasts over the last two weeks. Following the sudden deterioration in air quality and now further expected air pollution in November, we have made a swift decision to move the matches scheduled in Lahore,” said CEO of PCB, Wasim Khan.

“The early onset of hazardous pollution and subsequent poor air quality meant that the risk to keep matches in Lahore at this stage was too great. An early decision was made to ensure logistical challenges could be dealt with sooner rather than later. We cannot and will not compromise on the health and wellbeing of the players or officials.

“The decision to move matches from Lahore was not one that was taken lightly. For the sake of everyone involved and to ensure the remaining four matches of the HBL PSL and the three T20Is against Zimbabwe were completed without risk or interruption, it was important to move the matches,” added Khan.

The four scheduled matches of the Pakistan Super League will now be played in Karachi in the third week of November.