Arrangements for Karachi Test finalised

KARACHI: The National Stadium management has finalised its preparation for the arrangements of the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled to be held in Karachi from December 19.

It is after 10 years that the venue will host a Test. The last Test was also played against Sri Lanka in which Pakistan's Younis Khan scored 313 runs. It was the first match of the series during which Sri Lankan team bus came under attack in Lahore. The incident led to a 10-year hiatus of Test cricket in Pakistan.

It is expected that enthusiastic youth of the city would come to see the match. The first match ended in a draw because of poor weather. But a result is expected in the second match because Karachi's weather is much less cold and rain is not usual at this time of the year.

Foolproof security arrangements have been made, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, sources said. Sindh traffic police would announce the traffic plan and parking places for the visitors in a day or two, source said.

An official of the stadium management said that tickets for the match would be available at a courier franchise offices in the city and the price of the ticket would be Rs 50 per day. The source said that on one CNIC ten tickets can be purchased.

Officials said the ticket price was kept so low in order to attract higher number of spectators. While stadiums are filled with crowds in limited overs international matches in Pakistan, Test cricket does not attract so many people.

He said that necessary meetings had been held with the Sindh government home department, KMC, commissioner Karachi, and DMC East.

The major construction and development work at the stadium has already been completed. On Tuesday (tomorrow) and Wednesday, both teams will hold practice sessions at the NSK from 10am.