Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refuted reports suggesting that the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for next year has been postponed.
In a statement issued by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB announced its plans for the renovation of key cricket venues ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be hosted in Pakistan. The renovation work, which includes the National Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium, and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, is projected to cost Rs12.8 billion, as reported by Geo News.
During a press conference, Naqvi highlighted the stark contrast between international cricket stadiums and those in Pakistan, stating, "There's a significant disparity between international stadiums and ours. None of our stadiums meet international standards."
He further emphasized that the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) team is working tirelessly to ensure the completion of the renovation work, aiming to transform these venues into world-class cricket stadiums. Naqvi's statement was reported by Geo News, stating, "The goal is to have our stadiums among the best in the world, with a primary focus on providing essential facilities."
Despite these developments, Naqvi clarified that the PCB is in close coordination with security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the tournament. He expressed confidence in the readiness of the stadiums for the ICC Champions Trophy, although he acknowledged that there might be slight adjustments to the match dates.
Following these developments, the PCB issued a clarification, expressing its disappointment with certain media outlets for misrepresenting Naqvi's statements from a recent media interaction. The PCB clarified that Naqvi had not mentioned any potential changes in the dates of the ICC Champions Trophy due to security concerns, which was inaccurately reported by some media sources.
The PCB reiterated its commitment to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at three of Pakistan's most iconic venues, ensuring an exceptional experience for cricket enthusiasts. The PCB has submitted a detailed schedule proposal to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for consideration, with the proposed dates ranging from 19 February to 9 March 2025.
Additionally, the PCB announced the relocation of the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction activities at the Karachi National Stadium, which is being prepared for the ICC Champions Trophy.
