Pakistan Ready for Champions Trophy
The ICC Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19, featuring the world's top eight teams, with Pakistan hosting the event despite initial concerns about the stadiums' readiness. The PCB has reassured that the venues are ready, with renovations completed and facilities upgraded to ensure a top-class viewing experience.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reassured that the country is prepared to host the ICC Champions Trophy, despite concerns about the stadiums' readiness. The tournament is set to begin on February 19, featuring the world's top eight teams, and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is confident that the venues are ready to host the event in a fitting manner.
The three tournament venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have undergone renovations, with the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in its final stages of redevelopment and set to be inaugurated on February 7. The National Stadium in Karachi is also undergoing renovation and is expected to be inaugurated on February 11. Naqvi stated that all necessary work to ensure a top-class viewing experience for spectators and viewers will be completed by the time the stadiums are inaugurated.
Despite concerns about the stadiums, Naqvi was confident that the cost of the upgrades and renovations would be recovered as the ICC is paying for the tickets and passes. He also mentioned that all the funds being spent on the stadiums were from the cricket board's own resources and that no funds or grants had been taken from any other sources, including the government. The PCB chief also addressed criticism regarding the quality of the chairs installed at Gaddafi Stadium, saying that they were made in China and come with a 20-year warranty.
The India vs Pakistan rivalry is unlikely to unfold at an opening ceremony for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan, as the event has been canceled by the ICC. Indian captain Rohit Sharma will not need to travel to Pakistan, allowing him to stay in Dubai where the Indian team is based during the tournament. The decision is seen as a diplomatic gesture by the Indian government, which has been hesitant to allow the Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan.
The tournament will begin on February 19, with India set to play all its matches in Dubai. The PCB has faced criticism over the stadiums' readiness, but Naqvi asserted that the facilities will be seamless for the teams and officials arriving for the event. With the preparations in place, Pakistan is ready to host a successful Champions Trophy, showcasing the country's ability to host major international cricket events.