The playoff fixtures for the Pakistan Super League 2020 have been moved from the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to the National Stadium in Karachi.
The change has been made due to seasonal smog in Lahore.
“We have been keeping a close eye on air quality forecasts over the last two weeks,” said Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Khan.
“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.
“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 Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings will contest the Qualifier on 14 November. The Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi will play the Eliminator 1 on the same date. The Eliminator 2 and final will be played on 15 and 17 November, respectively.
Pakistan v Zimbabwe T20I Series Moved, Too
Late October and early November's three T20Is between Pakistan and Zimbabwe have also been moved from Lahore. They will be played in Rawalpindi, which will also host Pakistan and Zimbabwe's three-ODI series.
Pakistan will be captained by batsman Babar Azam, who was in fine form Central Punjab during the recent National T20 Cup in Rawalpindi. He struck three consecutive half-centuries.
“It's a great honour for me to be able to captain Pakistan in ODI cricket. There's been no cricket in Pakistan for a decade, and our players were forced to play abroad. So I count myself very lucky,” said Azam.
“The ICC league gives every series context, with seven qualifying berths up for grabs. So we want to put as many points on the board as possible so when we get to the World Cup, people talk about us seriously.
“In 2011, we qualified for the semi-finals and in 2019, we couldn't get through. I don't think the rankings matter but I want us to start well and I fully trust my team to perform well and qualify.”