(Source X)
Mohsin Naqvi, the Chief of the PCB, has expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of several stadiums as preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ramp up. Despite the PCB’s ongoing efforts to rectify the issues, there is concern about the direction and vision guiding these efforts.
Naqvi, who remains anxious about whether the board can complete the necessary improvements on time, has openly acknowledged the considerable disparity between Pakistani venues and international standards. He has emphasized that none of the current stadiums meet the required global benchmarks, citing multiple deficiencies that need urgent attention to ensure the successful hosting of the tournament.
“There was a world of difference between our stadiums and those in the rest of the world. In no way were they international stadiums; koi bhi stadiums internationally qualify kaar hi nhi shkta tha — na seats the, na bathrooms aur view asa tha ki aap 500 metre door se dekh rahe hai (none of them could qualify as international by any standard — there weren’t enough seats or bathrooms, and the view made it seem like you were watching from 500 meters away),” Naqvi stated.
The PCB is focused on upgrading the major stadiums in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi with cutting-edge facilities, aiming to have these enhancements finished before the Champions Trophy.
The renovation project, estimated at Rs 12.8 billion, is designed to elevate these venues to meet international standards ahead of the tournament set for February-March 2025. Naqvi also praised the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) for their round-the-clock efforts to ensure the timely completion of the upgrades.
“The Frontier 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.
Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed their strong desire to hold the final in Lahore, in addition to hosting the entire ICC Champions Trophy across Pakistan.
“The Champions Trophy will, by God’s Grace, be held in Pakistan and the final will be held in Lahore,” Mohsin Naqvi added.
This will be the first major ICC event held in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. Pakistan, the defending champions after their 2017 victory against India in the final, will be joined by India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh in the tournament.
However, India’s participation remains uncertain and depends on government approval. Should India withdraw, Sri Lanka is expected to take their place. After recently winning the T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma and his team would be keen to secure the Champions Trophy title if they do compete.
Amid these developments, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has indicated that while Pakistan remains committed to hosting the entire tournament, there may be adjustments to the schedule for certain matches.
“God willing, the Champions Trophy will indeed take place in Pakistan. Match dates may shift, but the PCB is actively coordinating with security agencies,” said Mohsin Naqvi while talking to the reporters in Lahore on Monday (August 19).
