NEW DELHI: With preparations underway for the 2025
ICC Champions Trophy
,
Pakistan Cricket Board
(
PCB
) chairman
Mohsin Naqvi
emphasized the urgent need for upgrading the country’s cricket stadiums on Monday.
In recent remarks, Naqvi acknowledged the significant gap between Pakistani venues and international standards, highlighting the inadequacies that need to be addressed to successfully host the forthcoming global event.
Naqvi pointed out that none of Pakistan’s current stadiums meet international requirements, noting that the existing facilities fall short in several key areas.
LIVE | PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s Press Conference | Pakistan News
“There was a world of difference between our stadiums and those in the rest of the world. In no way were they international stadiums; koi bhi stadiums internationally qualify kaar hi nhi shkta tha — na seats the, na bathrooms aur view asa tha ki aap 500 metre door se dekh rahe hai (none of them could qualify as international by any standard — there weren’t enough seats or bathrooms, and the view made it seem like you were watching from 500 meters away),” Naqvi stated, stressing the importance of modernizing these venues to keep pace with advancements in global sports infrastructure.
The PCB has embarked on an ambitious renovation project, focusing on Lahore’s
Gaddafi Stadium
, Karachi’s National Stadium, and
Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium
.
The upgrades, estimated to cost Rs 12.8 billion, are aimed at bringing these facilities up to par with international standards in time for the
Champions Trophy
, scheduled for February-March 2025.
During a visit to Gaddafi Stadium to review the progress, Naqvi expressed confidence that the renovations would be completed on time.
He praised the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) for their round-the-clock efforts, stating, “We will make our stadiums one of the best in the world. Providing basic facilities in stadiums is first priority.”
In addition to stadium upgrades, the PCB is also exploring the development of a nearby building into a hotel for teams. Naqvi acknowledged the complexities of this project but remained hopeful that it could be completed before the tournament.