None of Pakistan's stadiums meet international standard: PCB chief

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi admitted that none of Pakistan's international cricket venues meet international standards and it's the responsibility of the board to amp up the facilities in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy next year. Naqvi visited the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to take stock of the work to upgrade the iconic cricket stadium. Naqvi highlighted the difficulty of renovating the entire stadium, but said he is hopeful of the work getting completed before the Champions Trophy.

Naqvi said he is hopeful that the Gaddafi Stadium will host marquee matches and the final of next year's Champions Trophy. The PCB chief also said a site has been identified to build a hotel that would enable touring teams to stay near the venue. However, he said he is not sure if the construction of the hotel will be completed before the Champions Trophy.

"The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) team is working day and night. We will



make our stadiums one of the best in the world. Providing basic facilities in stadiums is our first priority," he added.

PCB had allocated approximately PKR 17 billion for renovating cricket stadiums at their three main centers ahead of the Champions Trophy, according to the news agency PTI. Notably, the refurbishment and construction of certain portions across three stadiums were not requirements of the International Cricket Stadium, but it was PCB's own decision. ICC’s delegation had visited all three stadiums and declared them fit to host the matches, according to Dawn.

The ICC had approved USD 70 million for Pakistan, which won the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy. It remains to be seen if the Champions Trophy will be entirely held in Pakistan as India are unlikely to travel to the country to play their matches. The Asia Cup in 2023 was held in a hybrid model with all of India's matches played in Sri Lanka instead of hosts Pakistan.