The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rubbished all rumors that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy would be moved from Pakistan. This comes after reports of the entire tournament being moved from Pakistan became a trending topic in cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly running against time to complete the renovation of the stadiums for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It has been learned that if there is any delay in the construction work, then the entire tournament might be shifted out of Pakistan. .
Construction and upgrade work at Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi stadiums for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is yet to be completed
Construction and upgrading work at National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are yet to be completed. It is learned that they have been given time till February 12 and if PCB does not complete the time then they will have to face the consequences.
The Pakistan Cricket Board started the renovation in August and was supposed to complete the work by December 31. However, I am nowhere near it. This has left the ICC concerned, especially as they face a lot of criticism over the venue infrastructure during the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and may consider moving the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from Pakistan.
Pakistan to successfully host Champions Trophy, No need to go by any rumours- PCB official
However, a Pakistan Cricket Board official said that all the construction work at three stadiums is to be completed by the first week of February. He said there is no need to believe in rumours, as Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
The PCB source added that reports of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being moved were an attempt to tarnish Pakistan's image on social media. But he added that they are keen to give their best in hosting the tournament. Speaking to IANS, he explained:
“All the work (related to the stadiums) will be done by the first week of February. Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy successfully. There is no need to go by any rumour.
“We are committed to giving our best. There are people who are trying to tarnish the image of Pakistan on social media. We know who they all are and why they are doing this.”
Pakistan Cricket Board swaps venues for tri-nation ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand
Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board also changed the venues for the ODI tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand. The games will be played in Karachi and Lahore and this has created a lot of speculation about the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to be played in a hybrid model. While the rest of the matches will be played in Pakistan, India's matches will be played in Dubai. The tournament will take place between February 19 and March 9.
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