PCB chief assures Champions Trophy venues will be ready on time

NEW DELHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Friday addressed concerns over the country's readiness for the upcoming Champions Trophy, confirming that venues in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are prepared to host the ICC tournament on schedule.
The Champions Trophy will commence on February 19, marking its first occurrence since 2017. The event will feature the world's top eight teams.
Construction and renovation work continue at the tournament venues in Karachi and Rawalpindi with recent images from the locations raising some concerns.
Naqvi remained confident about Pakistan's ability to host this ICC event successfully.
"They were people from across the border and even others who kept on saying it looks like the Champions Trophy would be moved out of Pakistan as stadiums are not going to be ready on time. But I can announce today we are set to go for the tri-series and Champions Trophy," he told reporters at the new look Gaddafi stadium.

Gaddafi Stadium will be inaugurated on February 7 by the Prime Minister.
Work at National Stadium in Karachi and Rawalpindi Stadium will continue after the tournament. The National Stadium's inauguration is scheduled for February 11.
"Facilities for teams, officials, broadcasters, and media have all been upgraded and are complete," Naqvi said.
"We will have the inauguration ceremony for the tournament on 16th in Lahore. The captains conference or the photoshoots will not be possible for the ICC or us because of the hectic travelling schedules of some teams."
The renovation budget has exceeded the initial estimate of 12 billion Pakistani rupees. However, Naqvi is expecting to recover the costs.
"We have asked the ICC to refrain from providing us with the usual tickets and passes given to the host country. Instead, they are paying us the corresponding amount," he said.
The PCB is funding all stadium improvements independently, without government assistance or external grants.
"There was criticism as the work progressed on these venues but we took it in stride and there was also some good advice and feedback that helped us a lot in achieving our target," he said.
The PCB chief also mentioned that they had invited top officials from all cricket boards, including India, to attend various events throughout the tournament, including the inauguration ceremony, matches, semi-finals, and final.
"They will let us know about their plans but I think we will be playing host to many board officials and even sports ministers from different countries throughout the event," he said.
Naqvi also addressed criticism regarding the quality of the chairs installed at Gaddafi Stadium, noting that they were made in China and come with a 20-year warranty.
"And they cost us less than those already installed and we had to ensure we didn't go too much over the budget."