The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rubbished all rumors of shifting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from Pakistan. This comes after reports of the entire tournament being moved out of Pakistan became a trending topic in cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly racing against time to complete stadium renovations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It has been learned that if there is a delay in the construction work, the entire tournament could be shifted out of Pakistan.
Construction and upgrade work on stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is yet to be completed
The construction and upgrading works of National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are yet to be completed. It is learned that they have been given a deadline of February 12, and if PCB does not meet it, they will have to bear the consequences.
The Pakistan Cricket Board started the renovation in August and was supposed to complete the work by December 31. However, they are nowhere near that. This has raised concerns for the ICC, especially as they have faced a lot of criticism over the venue infrastructure during the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and may consider moving the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from Pakistan.
Pakistan to host Champions Trophy successfully, no need to go by rumours-PCB official
However, an official of the Pakistan Cricket Board said that all construction work on the three stadiums should be completed by the first week of February. He said that there is no need to believe the rumors as Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
A PCB source added that reports of shifting the ICC Champions Trophy to 2025 were an attempt to tarnish Pakistan’s image on social media. But he added that they want to do their best in organizing the tournament. Speaking to IANS, he explained:
“All the work (related to the stadiums) will be done by the first week of February. Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy successfully. One should not go by any rumours.
“We are committed to doing our best. There are people who are trying to tarnish Pakistan’s image on social media. We know who they are and why they are doing it.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board is changing the venue of the ODI tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand
Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board also changed the venue of the ODI tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand. The matches will be played in Karachi and Lahore and this has created a lot of speculation about the future of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is ready to be played in a hybrid model. While the rest of the matches will be played in Pakistan, India’s matches will be played in Dubai. The tournament will be held from February 19 to March 9.
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa v Afghanistan match in jeopardy as CSA faces boycott orders
