PAK vs ENG 2022: 1st Test Between Pakistan And England Could be Shifted After Unrest in Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might be forced to move the first Test against England from Rawalpindi to another venue because of the prevailing political uncertainty due to the long march by opposition leader, Imran Khan.

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After some of the England Test players including captain Ben Stokes made it clear that they were concerned after the assassination attempt on former premier Imran Khan, sources said the PCB is considering moving the first Test.

A source said that since Imran’s protest march will enter Islamabad from Rawalpindi and he plans to set up a camp in the capital, the board has sought advice from the district administration in Pindi and concerned ministries.

“The PCB will most likely act on advice from the administration and security officials but indications are they might play it safe and move the match to Karachi which is also supposed to stage the third test,” the source said.

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The first Test is scheduled from December 1, with the England squad reaching Islamabad on November 27. This will be England’s first visit to Pakistan since 2005/06. The second Test is scheduled in Multan.

England fast bowler Mark Wood had earlier admitted to have been left concerned after the incident. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried by that because you’re going back there when there’s been trouble,” he had said.

However, England Test captain Ben Stokes he has full faith in England and Wales Cricket Board’s security consultant Reg Dickason.

“Obviously what happened there last week was a bit of a shock to see but Reg Dickason has been out there. He’s been the main [security] man for England for many years now. In my opinion he’s the best man to assess the situation. So we can’t really comment on anything until we’ve got all the information back from Reg,” Stokes had said.

“But whatever Reg comes back with, the players and the people going out on that tour 100 per cent trust him because he’s a man you trust with your life, Reg,” he added.

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