Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has confirmed that the Champions Trophy will be hosted in Pakistan. He outlined the plans for the event during a media briefing at Gaddafi Stadium’s construction site.
Naqvi announced that the basement work at Gaddafi Stadium will be finished by September 30, with each floor expected to be completed within three weeks. The pavilion will be constructed using steel, and the main building should be up by December 31. The entire enclosure of the stadium will be rebuilt.
He also mentioned that work at Pindi Stadium has been halted due to its poor condition, although ongoing projects will be completed.
In Karachi, construction is progressing rapidly, and a new stadium will be built in Islamabad, modeled after Dubai Stadium. Work on a hotel near Gaddafi Stadium will commence after the Champions Trophy, with an international hotel chain being brought in to boost revenue for the board.
Regarding the Test series between Pakistan and England, Naqvi confirmed that all matches will be held in Pakistan, with Multan and Rawalpindi as the final venues.
For the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February next year, Naqvi assured that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the event. He is in constant communication with major cricket boards and ICC Chairman Jay Shah, and there are no issues regarding Shah’s role.
Naqvi revealed that the Asian Cricket Council’s meeting on September 8-9 will be attended by Salman Naseer in his place. The meeting will finalize matters concerning the new president.
Decisions about team captains will be made by coaches and selectors. Naqvi has scheduled a workshop for September 22, where all stakeholders will provide their suggestions before final decisions are made. He acknowledged that he will take responsibility for any shortcomings of the team, whether related to selection or coaching, and is meeting with the selection committee today.
Champions ODI Cup; The Squads and Captains have been Announced
