- Naqvi says that a cricket event is being planned in Karachi.
- The building of the National Stadium will be completed in a month.
- An indication of holding tri-nation series matches in Karachi.
As the ICC Champions Trophy draws closer, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that the neutral venue will be decided by today, stressing, “We will take that into consideration.” Will ensure that cricket does not suffer.”
The PCB chief’s comments came days after the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that its men’s Champions Trophy 2025 would be held under a hybrid model, with India hosting its matches instead of the host nation. Will play at a neutral venue, Pakistan
A statement issued by the council said that “matches between India and Pakistan hosted by any country at ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC The board has confirmed,” a statement issued by the council said.
“This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan).”
Under the agreement, Pakistan will also play in future ICC tournaments hosted by India in other countries, yet to be decided.
The agreement will extend to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 to be hosted by India and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the statement added.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a visit to the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, the PCB chief revealed that a big event is being planned for Karachi, promising, “Good for the people of Karachi. News is awaited.”
The National Stadium is being repaired by the Cricket Board in preparation for the upcoming mega sports event. The PCB chief reached the stadium late on Saturday night and inspected the work on various floors.
He directed to speed up the installation of score screen and LED lights.
Chairman PCB said that the new stadium building will be completed within a month, parking space for 2700 vehicles will be created around the premises.
Naqvi said that the fence of the stadium is being replaced to block the view of live action during matches, adding that LED lights are being installed and a new screen will be installed by January 25.
He announced that the Champions Trophy could be one match of the tri-nation series at the National Stadium before 2025.
Responding to a question about ex-Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie, the former head coach of Pakistan, the PCB chairman clarified, “The role of the head coach is to coach the team, while the selection committee is to select the players. ”
He added that Jason was included as a member of the selection committee but was not given full selection authority.
In response to a question regarding batsman Fakhar Zaman, he said that the selection committee will take a decision about him, adding that those who perform well will play for Pakistan.