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Media reports claim that the Pakistan Cricket Board is likely to miss the deadline to finish the renovation of stadiums for the next month’s Champions Trophy.
Labourers work to finalise an enclosure in the National Stadium in Karachi. (AP Photo)
Will Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) miss the deadline to complete renovation work currently underway at venues slated to host Champions Trophy 2025? If a report is to be believed, then it appears “absolutely impossible” that the PCB will be able to do so further heightening the concerns around their readiness for the marquee event.
Eight teams are slated to take part in the tournament which is returning for the first time since 2017.
As per Pakistan’s English daily Dawn, “it seems absolutely impossible to contemplate the renovation work being completed within the deadline, but the personnel handed the responsibility are beaming with confidence.”
Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi are the three venues across which the matches of Champions Trophy will be played. Indian team will play their matches in Dubai as per the Hybrid model.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi inspected the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday and insists that the board will get control of the renovated venues by January 31 deadline.
Prior to the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will also host a tri-series featuring New Zealand and South Africa starting February 8. The first two games will be played in Lahore while two matches, including the final, in Karachi.
“Look, the stadiums will be in a shape to host matches but the question is the PCB has promised everyone a world-class experience at these renovated venues for the Tri-series and Champions Trophy and whether they can deliver on that promise remains to be seen,” news agency PTI quoted a source, who is following the construction work, said.
Bilal Chohan, the man responsible for the renovation work, is reportedly complaining about not getting required equipment and clearances on time to complete the work in Karachi.
The panels to be installed on the new building were to be released from the Karachi Port only on Sunday night, with its installation scheduled for the next morning.
“These are the kind of things we are dealing with, but sometimes it’s sad to see people bashing us,” Chohan complained.
The PCB has spent around PKR 12 billion on renovation, constructions and installation of equipment at all three venues in Lahore and Karachi.
Tickets have already gone on sale but until the PCB announces they have possession of the new-look stadiums, concerns will remain.
On Tuesday, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice resigned with a board member of the world body indicating that his failure to give a clear picture of Pakistan’s preparedness was among the reasons for his departure.
With PTI Inputs
- Location :
Karachi, Pakistan
