The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed rumors suggesting that the ICC Champions Trophy will be relocated from Pakistan due to delays in stadium construction. The tournament, set to begin on February 19, will be hosted at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
Meanwhile, India is scheduled to play all its matches in Dubai. A PCB official emphasized that the presence of a significant International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation, including representatives from broadcast, hospitality, and event operations, confirms the tournament is on track to proceed in Pakistan.
“The PCB has invested nearly PKR 12 billion to upgrade our stadiums to meet the standards of a marquee event like the Champions Trophy, which was awarded to us,” the official stated, according to NDTV. He noted that a previous statement about the progress of construction was issued to counter unverified media reports speculating that the event might be moved due to incomplete venue preparations.
“We issued the statement because speculative reports in the media, published without fact-checking, could have caused confusion and chaos among the PCB, ICC, government, commercial partners, and fans, potentially disrupting ticketing and marketing efforts,” he explained. The official also mentioned that a local journalist had filmed construction work at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium without authorization, presenting a misleading narrative.
The PCB assured that construction work at the venues is being closely monitored by relevant officials and that the stadiums will be ready to host the Champions Trophy matches on schedule.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
