PCB chief Naqvi directs formation of committees for Champions Trophy 2025

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday ordered the formation of necessary committees for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy tournament, slated for February 2025.

The directive came during a high-level meeting, held at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore, to review the key preparations for the international event.

During the meeting, detailed discussions took place regarding the ICC Champions Trophy, along with an update on the Champions One Day Cup, currently being held in Faisalabad. Additionally, the progress of the stadium upgradation project was assessed.

Naqvi emphasised the urgency of creating the required committees for the tournament, with clear responsibilities assigned to ensure a swift start to operations. “With some of the world’s top teams set to compete, our arrangements must be flawless,” he said.

The PCB chief also highlighted the importance of accelerating the pace of work on the stadium renovation project.

He stressed that all efforts should be made to ensure the upgrades are completed within the stipulated time, enhancing the viewing experience for cricket fans. "Once the renovations are done, the spectators will enjoy the matches even more," Naqvi added.

He praised the enthusiasm shown by the people of Faisalabad during the Champions Cup matches, hinting at the possibility of holding Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in the city.

The meeting was attended by PCB officials, including Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer, Chief Financial Officer Javed Murtaza, all PCB directors, and other relevant stakeholders.

It must be noted Naqvi is expected to meet newly-appointed ICC Chairman Jay Shah in October during the final match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup — set to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, in order to confirm logistical arrangements, the PCB is awaiting the final approval of the Champions Trophy’s schedule.

In a recent meeting with ICC officials, the PCB requested to announce the schedule as soon as possible to ensure smooth preparations of the event.

According to sources, PCB has made provisional bookings based on the proposed schedule and will be finalising it soon.

The cricket-governing body is expected to make an official announcement regarding the schedule by the end of October.

Meanwhile, the meeting between Naqvi and Shah will be highlighting the participation of the Men in Blue in the forthcoming event in Pakistan.

Earlier, the ICC delegation visited and reviewed the arrangements in the venues decided for the most-awaited event, including Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Lahore.

It is worth mentioning here that the delegation was satisfied with security arrangements and protocols arranged for the tournament next year.

The ICC delegation included Sarah Edgar, Senior Manager of Events; Aun Muhammad Zaidi, Event Manager and Champions Trophy Event Lead; Wasim Khan, General Manager of Cricket; David Masker, Security Manager’ and Mansoor Manj, Broadcast Consultant.