PCB chairman reaches National Bank Stadium for Champions Trophy opener

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has arrived at the National Bank Stadium here on Wednesday ahead of the much-anticipated opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Mohsin Naqvi, entrusted with overseeing the final arrangements, expressed his satisfaction as preparations reached their pinnacle ahead of the highly anticipated opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

With great enthusiasm, he is set to extend a warm welcome to President Asif Ali Zardari, who will grace the occasion as the chief guest for the grand opening ceremony at the National Bank Stadium.

This event marks a significant moment, as Pakistan proudly hosts an ICC tournament for the first time in 29 years.

The presence of the chairman highlights the PCB’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a seamless and impeccably organized tournament that promises to deliver thrilling cricket to fans and participants alike.

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For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan and New Zealand have competed in a total of 118 ODI matches. Pakistan leads the head-to-head record with 61 victories, while New Zealand has won 53 matches. Additionally, three matches have ended without a result, and one match ended in a tie.

However, New Zealand have the edge in the Champions Trophy as they boats an undefeated record against Pakistan.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Skipper Rizwan urges Pakistan to enjoy Champions Trophy 2025

ICC delegation visits National Stadium to review Champions Trophy arrangements

The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation visited the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday to review the arrangements for the upcoming Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation reached Karachi last night and visited the National Stadium this morning, inspecting the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

After Karachi, the ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

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Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

However, Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

READ: Real Madrid begin Champions League defence with Stuttgart win

ICC delegation to visit Karachi’s National Stadium to review Champions Trophy arrangements

The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is set to visit Karachi’s National Stadium to review the arrangements for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The six-member delegation will reach Karachi tonight and will visit the National Stadium tomorrow to inspect the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

The six-member delegation includes event organizers and security representatives, who will also meet representatives of law enforcement agencies in Karachi.

The ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Geoff Allardice refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

READ: Sharjah Cricket Stadium to host 250th ODI with Afghanistan-South Africa clash

Champions Trophy 2025: National Stadium Karachi’s new design unveiled

A new design for the National Bank Stadium in Karachi has been unveiled as it is undergoing significant renovations in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, reported by ARY News on Friday.

The renovation plan is divided into two phases: the first phase will be completed before the Champions Trophy, while the second phase will follow the conclusion of the ICC event.

The new design features a new building to be constructed directly in front of the main stadium. This new structure will house VIP boxes, a gallery, media boxes, and family boxes for players. Additionally, the two dressing rooms may be relocated to this new building.

Recently, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has approved the renovation of stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Cricket Board has allocated Rs12.80 billion for these infrastructure improvements.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and National Stadium in Karachi are scheduled to host the ICC Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9 next year.

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Later this month, National Stadium Karachi is scheduled to host the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

However, due to the ongoing construction work, the match will be played without spectators. Construction work will be paused during match hours and will resume once the match concludes each day.

WATCH: Babar Azam struck by Khurram Shahzad during net practice

ECB delegation visits National Stadium for security review

KARACHI: A security delegation of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) visited the National Bank Stadium here on Thursday to assess the arrangements for the upcoming England tour of Pakistan, later this year.

The security delegation visited different areas of the National Stadium and reviewed the security arrangements at the stadium and its surroundings.

The security delegation also reviewed the construction work of the stadium, whereas, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials briefed them about the ongoing work.

England is set to tour Pakistan for a three-match Test series in October this year. The tour begins with the First Test in Multan from October 7-11, before moving to Karachi for the Second Test from October 15-19. The Third Test will be in Rawalpindi from October 24-28.

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The three-match series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. It will be the second time England Men have played a Test series in Pakistan in under two years, with England having won the last series 3-0 in December 2022.

It is worth mentioning here that the three-match home Test series against England is part of the Pakistan men’s cricket team’s busy home international season 2024-25.

Besides England, Pakistan will host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series in August, followed by a three-match series against West Indies in January next year while they will play two away Tests against South Africa in December-January.

The nine Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.

SERIES SCHEDULE

7-11 October, 2024 – First Test, Multan

15-19 October, 2024 – Second Test, Karachi

24-28 October, 2024 – Third Test, Rawalpindi

READ: Babar Azam to bat at THIS number in first Bangladesh Test

PCB chairman, businessmen consider building club house near NSK

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s chairman Ramiz Raja and businessmen here discussed building a clubhouse near National Stadium in a meeting on Thursday. 

While talking to the media, Ramiz and businessman Aqeel Karim Dedhi told their planning about a clubhouse, containing top-notch facilities for cricketers and fans.

“We have plans to construct a clubhouse near National Stadium for players and fans engagement,” Ramiz said.

“Businessmen have so many ideas for us and I am grateful for their interest. We have a lot of things in pipeline and we will go step by step,” he added.

Earlier, Ramiz visited Naya Nazimabad Stadium where one of the two drop-in pitches will be installed.

READ: Babar Azam reclaims No.1 spot in ICC T20I batting rankings

Ramiz, Karachi’s businessmen talk about building five star hotel near NSK

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s chairman Ramiz Raja and business tycoons’ delegation led by Aqeel Karim Dhedhi (AKD) talked about building a five-star hotel near National Stadium. 

In a meeting with businessmen here on Monday, the PCB chairman sought financial support from private sectors to put Pakistan’s strong case in front of the world.

While talking to the media after the meeting, Ramiz stressed that the business community will be roped in to strengthen cricket in the country. “We had a fruitful meeting here with AKD and others and we are looking forward to working together. AKD is our opening batsman and he ensured full support for the promotion of cricket,” he said.

The business community offered PCB chairman to plan for the construction of a five-star hotel near National Stadium which can counter international teams’ security concerns. Ramiz put weight on this idea and hoped to work on it in near future.

They also discussed the revival of club and school cricket alongside the usage of the national stadium for multi purposes.

It must be noted here that Pakistan’s biggest businessmen including founder and President of ARY Digital Network – Salman Iqbal were present in the meeting.

READ: T20 World Cup: Tickets for PakvsInd sold out within hours

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