(Source X)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held as planned on the previously announced dates.
The ICC had earlier set the tournament dates from February 19, 2025, to March 9, 2025. However, some media outlets misunderstood comments from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, suggesting that the tournament dates might be adjusted due to security concerns and ongoing reconstruction at the three venues designated for the event.
The PCB has confirmed that the dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will remain unchanged.
In a statement, the PCB refuted reports suggesting a change in dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The board criticized media outlets for misinterpreting Mohsin Naqvi’s remarks and accused them of generating unnecessary sensationalism.
“It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi’s comments from yesterday’s media interaction, misleadingly quoting him on the possibility of a change of dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to security concerns, thus creating unnecessary sensationalism,” the PCB said in a statement.
The Pakistan Cricket Board also noted that Mohsin Naqvi’s comments can be found on the PCB’s YouTube channel and reaffirmed its commitment to holding the Champions Trophy 2025 on the scheduled dates.
“During the media talk, which is available on the PCB’s official YouTube channel, the PCB Chair clearly stated that the redevelopment and redesign of the three designated stadia would be completed on schedule, ensuring readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”
“The PCB Chair also mentioned that while some domestic matches may need to be shifted to facilitate uninterrupted construction work, this in no way pertains to the ICC Champions Trophy, which remains a priority for the PCB as a premier eight-team international event.”
“The PCB is fully committed to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at three of Pakistan’s iconic venues, ensuring an unforgettable experience for our passionate cricket fans. In line with this commitment, the PCB has already submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the proposed dates spanning from 19 February to 9 March 2025,” the statement added.
The PCB is undertaking an upgrade of its stadiums.
The PCB is currently renovating all three stadiums in preparation for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently visited Dubai to examine world-class stadiums and, upon returning to Pakistan, took charge of the ongoing construction work at the local venues.
The PCB aims to enhance the fan experience at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore by upgrading the hospitality boxes and improving the view from every seat.
The tournament will be hosted across three Pakistani cities: Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. Rawalpindi and Lahore are in Punjab, while Karachi is located in Sindh.
Additionally, the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh was moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction at the National Stadium in Karachi.
The PCB’s Major Challenge for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
While the PCB is optimistic about completing the stadium upgrades, the biggest challenge they face is securing Team India’s participation in the tournament. India has not traveled to Pakistan since 2008 due to ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
In recent years, relations have further deteriorated. The 2023 Asia Cup, initially scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, was shifted to a joint hosting arrangement with Sri Lanka after the Indian government refused to send its team to Pakistan. Consequently, India played all its matches in Sri Lanka, including the final, which they won against Sri Lanka. In contrast, Pakistan has traveled to India regularly, with their most recent visit being for the ODI World Cup 2023.
