PCB Director Mohsin Naqvi is not happy with the state of some stadiums ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Preparations are in full swing within the PCB to get everything ready for the tournament but they lack direction and vision.
Pakistan are still hosting the tournament and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is concerned whether the board will be able to set everything up perfectly on time.
In his recent comments, Naqvi acknowledged the significant gap that exists between Pakistani stadiums and international standards, and highlighted the shortcomings that need to be addressed in order to successfully host the next global event. He further noted that none of Pakistan’s current stadiums meet international requirements, noting that existing facilities have shortcomings in several key areas.
“There was a huge difference between our stadiums and those in the rest of the world. They were not international stadiums; the Koi Bhi stadiums were international because they had no seats, no toilets and no view from 500 metres away (none of them could be considered international by any standard; there were not enough seats or toilets and the view made it look like you were watching the match from 500 metres away),” Naqvi said.
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PCB is keen to revamp the three main stadiums in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi with state-of-the-art facilities and is hopeful that the changes will be completed in time for the tournament.
The estimated cost is Rs 12,800 crore and is aimed at bringing these facilities up to international standards in time for the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2025. He also praised the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), which is working 24×7 to complete the renovation on time.
“The Border Works Organisation (FWO) team is working day and night. [We] will make our stadiums one of the best in the world… providing basic facilities in stadiums is [our] “first priority,” he said.
Champions Trophy 2025 final to be held in Lahore: Mohsin Naqvi
Mohsin Naqvi further confirmed that they are interested in hosting the final in Lahore in addition to hosting the ICC Champions Trophy entirely in Pakistan.
“The Champions Trophy, by the grace of God, will be held in Pakistan and the final will be held in Lahore,” Mohsin Naqvi added.
This is the first major ICC event to be played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. Pakistan are also the defending champions of the tournament, having won the title in 2017 by beating India in the final. Apart from Pakistan, India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan and Bangladesh will participate in the tournament.
The Indian team is unlikely to participate in the tournament unless its government approves it. In case it withdraws from the tournament, Sri Lanka is likely to replace it at the event. Having recently won the T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma and India would like to win the tournament if they do eventually participate.
Meanwhile, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said the dates of the 2025 Champions Trophy could change for certain games despite remaining adamant that Pakistan will host the entire tournament.
“God willing, the Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan. The dates of the matches may change but the PCB is actively coordinating with the security agencies,” said Mohsin Naqvi while speaking to reporters in Lahore on Monday (August 19).
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