Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi says none of Pakistan’s stadiums meet international standard

Pakistan cricket is never out of the news, mainly for negative reasons. Recently, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi made a blunt remark about the facilities of their stadiums, giving others another reason to troll and criticise. Naqvi has declared that none of its stadiums are up to international standards.

Notably, his comments come ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, a multi-national tournament which will be hosted by Pakistan. The PCB chief also highlighted the importance of amping up the facilities at the earliest as the country is set to host the ICC tournament in February next year.

Also Check: ICC’s $65 million budget move hints India’s Champions Trophy 2025 matches will not be played in Pakistan

Reports have surfaced that Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi have been fixed as venues in their draft schedule. Speaking to the media during a visit to oversee renovation work at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi said that their first priority is to provide basic facilities in the stadiums.

"There's a huge difference in international stadiums and those of ours... none of our stadiums are of international standard. The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) team is working day and night. [We] will make our stadiums one of the best in the world... providing basic facilities in stadiums is [our] first priority,” the 45-year-old said.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh series opener moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi

Pakistan will host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series starting on Wednesday, August 21. Karachi was scheduled to host the series opener, but the PCB shifted the match to Rawalpindi on the advice of construction experts due to ongoing renovation work.

"We have been guided by the construction experts on the timelines for the readiness of the [National Stadium in Karachi]. They advised that while construction could continue during playing hours, the resulting noise pollution would disturb the cricketers. Additionally, the dust from the construction work could also affect the health and well-being of the players, officials, broadcasters, and media,” the board said in a statement.

Also Check: PCB announces 17-member squad for two Test matches against Bangladesh starting August 21