Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has declined all the rumors of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being moved out of Pakistan. This comes after the reports of the entire tournament moving out of Pakistan became a trending topic in cricket.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly is running against the time to complete the renovations of Stadiums for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It was learned that if there would be a delay in the construction work, then the entire tournament could be moved out of Pakistan.
The construction and upgradation work at stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are yet to be completed
The construction and upgradation work at the National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are yet to be completed. It is learned that they have been given time till 12th February, and if PCB doesn’t complete the time, then they will have to face the consequences.
Pakistan Cricket Board started the renovations in August and was due to complete the work by 31st December. However, they are nowhere close to it. This has left ICC worried, especially with them facing a lot of criticism over the infrastructure of venues during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and they might consider moving ICC Champions Trophy 2025 out of Pakistan.
Pakistan will successfully host the Champions Trophy, No need to go by any rumours – PCB official
However, a Pakistan Cricket Board official said that all the construction work at three stadiums is set to be completed by the first week of February. He said that there is no need to believe in rumors as Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
The PCB source added that the reports of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being moved was an attempt to tarnish Pakistan’s image on social media. But added that they are keen to give their best in hosting the tournament. Speaking to IANS, he explained:
“All the work (related to stadiums) will be done by the first week of February. Pakistan will successfully host the Champions Trophy. No need to go by any rumours.
“We are committed to giving our best. There are people who are trying to tarnish Pakistan’s image on social media. We know who all they are and why they are doing this.”
Pakistan Cricket Board changes the venues for the ODI tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand
Recently Pakistan Cricket Board also changed the venues for the ODI tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand. The games will be played in Karachi and Lahore, and this created a lot of speculation about the future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to be played in a hybrid model. While the rest of the games will be played in Pakistan, India’s matches will be played in Dubai. The tournament will run from 19th February to 9th March.
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa-Afghanistan match in jeopardy as CSA faces boycott orders