Champions Trophy won't be disrupted by stadiums' revamps: PCB

NEW DELHI: The media's claims that the three stadiums slated to host the Champions Trophy next year won't be finished on time have been refuted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has stated that only domestic and bilateral Test matches could be impacted.

For the tournament scheduled for February 19-March 9 of next year, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the National Stadium in Karachi, and the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium are undergoing renovations.

Pakistan's bilateral obligations this season, notably the Test match against England in Karachi, may be impacted by ongoing building work. Pakistan and Bangladesh have already moved their second Test from Karachi to Rawalpindi.

Following his tour of the Gaddafi Stadium renovations in Lahore on Monday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media. He stated that a lot of work remains to be done because none of the stadiums currently satisfy international standards.

"It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi's comments," the PCB said in a statement on Tuesday, as per Reuters.

"The PCB Chair clearly stated that the redevelopment and redesign of the three designated stadiums would be completed on schedule, ensuring readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

"While some domestic matches may need to be shifted to facilitate uninterrupted construction work, this in no way pertains to the ICC Champions Trophy, which remains a priority for the PCB as a premier eight-team international event."

Additionally, the UK's BDP Pattern was chosen by the PCB to upgrade the stadium infrastructure for cricket, the architecture firm said on Tuesday.

Prior to its discontinuation owing to a packed schedule, Pakistan were victorious in the final Champions Trophy competition, which took place in England in 2017. But because the ICC wants to host a major event each year, it is being brought back.