PCB chief confident of hosting all teams for 2025 Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism about the ongoing upgrades to the country's cricket stadiums despite acknowledging the challenges involved. 

Speaking during a media briefing at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi assured that efforts are being made to complete the upgrades to the Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi stadiums before the 2025 Champions Trophy. He is confident that major teams, including India, will be arriving as planned.

"Let the stadiums be built, and teams from all over, including India, will come," Naqvi stated.

"Construction work is ongoing day and night as quickly as possible. Completing the upgrade of the Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi stadiums before the Champions Trophy is a challenge, but we are hopeful that the work will be finished," he added.

The PCB chief highlighted the significant disparity between Pakistan's stadiums and international standards. 

"There is a world of difference between our stadiums and those around the world. None of our stadiums meet international standards; we need to raise the quality of our stadiums," he said.

In addition, Naqvi mentioned the acquisition of a building near the Gaddafi Stadium intended to be converted into a hotel. 

"We have acquired a building near the Gaddafi Stadium for a hotel, but it's a complex process. In a week or ten days, it will be decided whether this project can be completed before the Champions Trophy, as the building needs to be converted into a hotel," he concluded.