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In a candid admission, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has highlighted the significant gap between Pakistan’s stadiums and international standards, casting a spotlight on the country’s preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. This tournament is poised to be the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup, a momentous occasion for the nation’s cricketing landscape.
Naqvi’s statement comes amid reports suggesting that the BCCI is hesitant to send the Indian national team to Pakistan due to ongoing political tensions. Addressing these concerns indirectly, Naqvi underscored the urgent need to upgrade Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure.
“None of our stadiums are of international standards. There is a big difference in international stadiums and those of other countries,” Naqvi remarked, acknowledging the substantial work required to elevate Pakistan’s venues to the level expected for such a prestigious tournament.
Efforts are already underway to address these deficiencies, with the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore undergoing significant reconstruction ahead of the event. Naqvi revealed that the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) is leading the charge, working tirelessly to ensure that all venues are ready to meet global expectations.
“The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) will make sure that all the stadiums in Pakistan become world-class. We will provide basic facilities in stadiums. The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, and the final will be conducted in Lahore,” Naqvi asserted, expressing hope that Pakistan would successfully host the tournament.
As the clock ticks down to 2025, the PCB faces the dual challenge of not only upgrading their facilities but also navigating the complex political landscape that threatens to overshadow the event. Naqvi’s bold admission serves as both a wake-up call and a commitment to ensuring that Pakistan is ready to welcome the cricketing world with open arms.
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