The venue of the match changed due to pollution, Pakistan and Sri Lanka's second test will now be played in Rawalpindi instead of Lahore.

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Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: A big update has come out regarding the 2-match Test series being played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In view of the dangerous level of air pollution and smog in Lahore, Pakistan Cricket Board has taken a big decision. The second test match of the series will now be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi instead of Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. After this change, now both the matches of this test series will be held in the same ground, Rawalpindi. PCB has taken this decision giving priority to the safety of the players.

Players' health at risk due to smog

The level of pollution (AQI) in Lahore has remained very worrying for the last few days, which is considered harmful for health. In such an environment, playing on the field for 5 consecutive days was not safe for the health of the players, match officials and spectators. For this reason, PCB, after consulting medical experts and local authorities, gave priority to the safety of the players and without any delay took a big and responsible decision to shift the second Test match from Lahore to Rawalpindi.

No change in match dates

Amidst this entire venue change, the biggest relief for the cricket fans and both the teams is that despite the change in the venue of the match, there has been no change in its scheduled schedule and dates. As per the pre-determined schedule, this second and final Test match will be played between 17 November and 21 November 2026 on the grounds of Rawalpindi.

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The first Test match of this series has also been organized on this ground, due to which the Sri Lankan team will not have to struggle separately to adjust to the pitches and weather of the new city. Sri Lankan players are already completely adapted to the conditions, wind direction and atmosphere of Rawalpindi, which can prove to be very helpful for them from the sporting point of view.

All the matches are being played in Rawalpindi only.

This change of venue means that the main matches of this entire tour of Sri Lanka to Pakistan have been confined to Rawalpindi only. Sri Lankan team is on tour of Pakistan for the last one month. Just before the Test series, a 3-match T20 International series and an ODI tri-series (in which England was also included) have been played between the two countries. The earlier T20 series matches between the two countries were also played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Now both the matches of the Test series are also being played on the pitch of this historic ground. Cricket fans hope that despite the change of venue, they will get to see an exciting and tough competition between the two teams.

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