The claims that the media has been making about all three stadiums where the Champions Trophy will be played next year not being completed on time have been denied by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which says that only domestic and bilateral Test matches can be affected.
Renovation is currently undertaking at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the National Stadium in Karachi and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium respectively for the tournament scheduled from 19th February to 9th March next year.
Building work still going on might impact Pakistan’s bilateral obligations this season including the test match with England in Karachi. Already Pakistan and Bangladesh have moved their second Test from Karachi to Rawalpindi.
On Monday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media after visiting the renovations at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. He said there is a lot of work remaining undone as none of these present stadiums meet international standards.
According to Reuters, “On Tuesday, a PCB statement reads; it is disappointing that some areas of press misinterpreted comments made by PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi”.
“A redevelopment and redesigning of these three designated stadiums will proceed as planned thus ensuring readiness for ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” they added.
At no point did this refer to the ICC Champions Trophy itself though there could possibly be some need for shifting such domestic matches to give room for uninterrupted construction activities, which remains prime amongst others as far as PCB is concerned since it is an elite eight-team global competition.
Also announced today was BDP Pattern UK’s selection by the PCB to upgrade cricket stadium infrastructure, according to architectural firm sources.
Pakistan had triumphed at finals day before it was scrapped due to a busy schedule during the last edition of champions trophy held in England back in 2017. Pakistan were winners of last edition before it got scrapped owing to congested calendar as per reports compiled by ICC because it wants a flagship event each year.
