Champions Trophy to be played entirely in Pakistan: PCB chief
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively preparing for the impending ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place early next year. This marks the nation's first International Cricket Council event since 1996. The venues for the tournament are currently undergoing extensive renovations. Despite uncertainty surrounding India's visit to Pakistan for the 50-over tournament, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that every match, including the final, will be held in Pakistan.
Renovation work at Champions Trophy venues in full swing
The three venues selected to host the Champions Trophy matches are Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. These stadiums are currently undergoing significant renovation work. The PCB has even relocated the 2nd Pakistan-Bangladesh Test from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to these refurbishments. Naqvi stated that the stadiums will be completely revamped before the Champions Trophy begins.
PCB plans to install new floodlights at venues
In addition to the ongoing renovations, the PCB has planned to install new floodlights at the venues in Karachi and Lahore for the tournament. The board is also considering similar installations at other venues like Quetta, Abbottabad, and Peshawar. This initiative is part of their strategy to manage a busy domestic season by hosting matches under lights during hot weather conditions.
India's participation in Champions Trophy
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet confirmed Team India's participation in the Pakistan leg of the Champions Trophy. The decision depends on approval from the Indian government. Previously, the PCB stated that it would leave it to the ICC to persuade the BCCI for the same. Notably, India played their 2023 Asia Cup matches, hosted by the PCB, in Sri Lanka under a 'Hybrid Model'.
Pakistan's first home ICC tournament since 1996
As mentioned, Pakistan will be hosting its first ICC event since 1996. The nation last hosted the World Cup in 1996 along with India and Sri Lanka. Notably, Pakistan was refrained from hosting internationals for a decade after the 2009 terrorist attacks on Sri Lankan team.
