PCB BoG members back Naqvi’s stance on CT

ISLAMABAD: The Governing Body of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended full support to Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on his ongoing talks with the ICC and gave him full authority to reach an agreement on the Champions Trophy in the best interest of the country and its cricket.

The 76th GoB meeting held here at a hotel turned out to be a brief 20 and 25 minutes affair with the PCB chairman taking all the members in confidence on the important issues relating to the Champions Trophy’s arrangements. One of the members, Mustafa Ramday, attended the meeting on-line.

One of the Board members told ‘The News’ that the chairman’s stance on the country and its cricketing image was fully backed by the members and had given him full authority to go ahead on the Champions Trophy’s agreement.

“The PCB chairman has made it clear that he had received all kinds of offers including financial support for Pakistan cricket but he was more interested in keeping Pakistan and its cricket on the top. If India is unwilling to send its team to Pakistan, we would do the same when our turn to travel to India for ICC matches comes,” the member said.

Naqvi updated members on the ongoing negotiations and final agreement among the stakeholders. “All the members fully supported his stand and gave him the go ahead to sign the agreement in the best interest of the country’s cricket.”

‘The News’ has learnt that after getting full support from the BoG members, final agreement on the Champions Trophy would be signed anytime and hence the release of the much-awaited schedule of the mega event.

Chairman PCB also shared the tentative schedule of the Champions Trophy with the members. Naqvi also updated the members on the Champions Trophy preparations including stadiums’ upgrades. The members were told that Lahore and Karachi stadiums were near to completion.

“Gaddafi Stadium’s upgradation work is almost 90 recent complete and National Bank Stadium renovation is almost 80 percent complete.” On the Pindi Stadium’s upgradation, the House was told that only chairs and lighting system will be upgraded.

“Upgradation at the Pindi Stadium will start from December 26 and within a couple of weeks, it will be completed.” According to the details, Pakistan will retain the Champions Trophy hosting rights, while all the matches involving India will be played at the neutral (Dubai) venue. Even if Pakistan makes it to the Champions Trophy final against India, it will be staged in Dubai.

The ICC and some leading cricketing boards have given a guarantee that Pakistan will not be asked to play the 2026 World Cup matches in India as all their matches including semis will be organised in Sri Lanka -- the joint host of the mega event.

ICC delegation visits Pindi Stadium The ICC Marketing and Branding delegation visited the Pindi Stadium Wednesday morning. The delegation included ICC representatives Aoun Zaidi and Monwar Manj from Broadcasting.

Representatives from sponsors, including and co-sponsors were also part of the delegation. The purpose of the visit was to review preparations for the Champions Trophy. The delegation also developed suggestions related to the branding of sponsors. The delegation toured the pavilion, Media Centre and other parts of the ground.