PCB Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi Monday said that stadiums in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi are being upgraded to international standards for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2024 to be held in February, which will feature the world’s top eight teams.
“The ICC approved the budget for the Champions Trophy. FWO has demolished the old structure of the stadium and the construction of the new stadium will be completed in 5 months,” said Mohsen Naqvi.
He said that a five-star hotel will also be built near the PCB and the tunnel will help players reach the stadium safely from the hotel, where a modern stadium in Islamabad will also be built.
The Prime Minister also wants the lost prestige and status of the cricket team to return.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the foundation stone of the new Gaddafi Stadium building in Lahore on Monday.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Adviser to the Chairman on Cricket Affairs Waqar Yonius also held a press conference and were briefed on the latest developments and initiatives of the PCB.
“International players will also play in the Champions Cup. Likes and dislikes are part of our history. Hopefully there will be improvement in the coming times,” Naqvi said.
He said Sana Mir was told to work for women’s cricket as PCB was taking steps to improve women’s cricket.
Responding to the criticism, Naqvi said he didn’t care what anyone said about his performance.
Team selection criteria
Naqvi said a pool of 150 players and five teams would be formed
2024-25 domestic cricket season
“I see a gap in domestic and international cricket.
Naqvi promised to improve the selection process of domestic and international cricket. He further said that there will be a domestic cup in which five old players will be given teams for three years.
There will be three formats at the domestic events — Champions Cup ODI, Champions Cup T20 and Champions First Class Cup will be held in all three formats. The aim of these tournaments is to bring our cricket to international standards, he said.
“I am very optimistic about the future of Pakistan cricket. A total of 13,000 matches will be played at track and development level this season.
Home player rewards and match fees have also increased.
Newly appointed Waqar Yonius thanked the PCB chairman for trusting him in his new role.
“The cricket situation is before us all. Until the structure of cricket is fixed, the matter will not move forward and therefore cricket legends and former cricketers should work together,” he added.
