- Naqvi says a cricket event is being planned in Karachi.
- He says the construction of the National Stadium will be completed within a month.
- Signals that Tri-nation series matches will be held in Karachi.
With the ICC Champions Trophy just around the corner, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the decision on the neutral venue for the 2025 Champions Trophy matches in India will be finalized by today, asserting: “We will ensure that cricket does not suffer.” “.
The PCB chief’s comments come two days after the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy will be played under a hybrid model, with India set to play their matches at a neutral venue instead of the host country. Pakistan.
A statement issued by the council said: “Indian and Pakistani matches hosted by either country in ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be held at a neutral venue.”
“This will apply to the upcoming 2025 Men’s ICC Champions Trophy (hosted by Pakistan).”
Under the agreement, Pakistan will also play in neutral venues in the upcoming ICC tournaments hosted by India.
The statement added that the agreement will extend to the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, hosted by India, and the 2026 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Speaking to the media during his visit to the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, the PCB chief revealed that a major event was being planned in Karachi, promising: “Good news awaits the people of Karachi.”
The National Stadium is being renovated as part of the Cricket Board’s preparations for the upcoming mega sporting event. The PCB chief arrived at the stadium late on Saturday night and inspected the work on the various floors.
He directed the installation of the registration screen and LED lights to be expedited.
The PCB chief said the new building of the stadium would be completed within a month, with a parking space for 2,700 cars being created around the building.
The stadium fences are being replaced to avoid blocking the view of live events during matches, Naqvi said, adding that LED lights are being installed and a new screen will be installed by January 25.
He announced: “It is possible to host a three-series match at the National Stadium before the 2025 Champions Cup.”
Responding to a question about the former Pakistani coach – a former Australian cricketer – PCB Chairman Jason Gillespie explained: “The role of the head coach is to coach the team, while the selection committee is supposed to select the players.”
He added that Jason was included as a member of the selection committee but was not given full authority over the selections.
In response to a question about batsman Fakhar Zaman, he said that the selection committee would decide on him, adding: “Whoever performs well will play for Pakistan.”