Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi sought to ease concerns about the country’s preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy, asserting that the three venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are on track to host the prestigious event as scheduled. The tournament, set to kick off on February 19, will feature the world’s top eight teams and mark its return after a hiatus since 2017.
Venue Preparations: Challenges & Assurance
The Karachi and Rawalpindi venues have been undergoing renovation work. Though the locations are still partly under construction, the pictures of the venues sent from these venues have created questions regarding their preparation. Naqvi, however, has allayed the doubts by stating that all the works would be carried out in time for the event.
“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.
He said that the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore would be ready for the tournament opening and its inauguration would take place on 7th February by the Prime Minister. Naqvi conceded that work on Rawalpindi and National Stadium in Karachi would go on after the start of the tournament but assured that all necessary preparations for an excellent viewing experience would be complete by the time Karachi’s National Stadium opens on February 11.
“Facilities for teams, officials, broadcasters, and media have all been upgraded and are complete,” Naqvi said.
Financial Transparency And Self-Funding
Naqvi also pointed out that all the funds for the stadium upgradation were drawn from the PCB’s own resources, and no financial support or grants were received from external sources, such as the government. He underlined that this self-sufficiency is an example of the PCB’s efforts to host a world-class event.
“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.” Naqvi revealed that the budget allocated for the upgrades and renovations at all three stadiums had exceeded the originally planned 12 billion Pakistani rupees, but he was confident the cost would be recovered.
“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.
Invitations Extended To Global Cricket Officials
In a bid to make the event truly international, the PCB chairman revealed that they have invited senior officials from various cricket boards, including India, to attend key moments throughout the tournament. These events include the inauguration ceremony, matches, semi-finals, and the 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.
Addressing Criticism On Gaddafi Stadium Chairs
“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.
Naqvi also referred to the furore created by the new chairs at Gaddafi Stadium. These chairs have been criticized much for their poor quality. The chairs, however, are from China and carries a strong warranty of 20 years, guaranteeing comfort for the long run.
