PCB chairman talks Amir’s comeback, more teams in PSL, Champions Trophy

Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), addressed several key points during a press conference in Lahore on Sunday.

He discussed the potential return of former fast bowler Mohammad Amir to the national team, the expansion of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), and plans for hosting the Champions Trophy.

Regarding Amir's comeback, Naqvi stated that the decision rests with the new seven-member selection committee.

"The selection committee will decide Mohammad Amir's future for Pakistan cricket,” Naqvi said.

Amir, who retired in 2020 citing issues with the cricket board's management, has since been active in various league cricket competitions worldwide.

On the subject of expanding the HBL PSL, Naqvi expressed the board's interest in launching a Women's league and considering the possibility of increasing the number of teams to eight.

Turning to the Champions Trophy, slated for the following year in Pakistan, Naqvi emphasized the PCB's dedication to hosting the event.

“We are planning to host the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and we will leave no stone unturned for it. We discussed the matter during the recently held ICC meeting in Dubai, where we reiterated our commitment towards hosting the event. The ICC team is reaching Pakistan today. We will be collaborating with them. The three stadiums- Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi- are being readied for Champions Trophy. We will then upgrade venues in Quetta and Peshawar too,” he said.

In terms of finances, Naqvi emphasized reinvesting profits back into cricket.

“Whatever profit we make, should be invested back in cricket. Securing coaches and solving current problems should be priority and that’s what the money will be used for. The money will 100 per cent be used for the betterment of cricket in this country,” he concluded.