LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Friday while addressing a press conference in Lahore has assured that all preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are on schedule, dismissing concerns about delays in stadium renovations.
Naqvi confirmed that the reconstruction of Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has been completed and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on February 7. Similarly, Karachi’s National Stadium will be inaugurated by President Asif Ali Zardari on February 11.
Naqvi said that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the prestigious tournament, set to begin on February 19. The PCB had faced scrutiny over the past few weeks after online videos surfaced showing slow progress at key venues. However, Naqvi assured that the work was completed within the planned timeframe, with new seating installed, enhancing the stadium experience for fans. The seats, imported from China, come with a 20-year warranty.
The much-anticipated opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy will be held in Lahore on February 16, marking the official start of the event.
During the press conference, Naqvi also addressed rumours regarding stadium readiness, taking aim at critics from across the border. Without naming anyone directly, he pointed out that some individuals were eager to find faults in Pakistan’s preparations but had been unsuccessful.
“Some people are constantly looking for even the smallest mistake in our work, but by the grace of God, they won’t find anything,” Naqvi added.
Naqvi also revealed that Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy is set to be announced soon. Reports suggest key players such as Fakhar Zaman and Saud Shakeel are likely to be included, while young talent Saim Ayub may not make the cut.
With stadiums ready and final preparations underway, Pakistan is set to host its first ICC event since 1996, promising an exciting tournament for cricket fans worldwide.
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