'The stadiums in Pakistan...,' PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi admits poor conditions ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has admitted that none of the country's stadiums currently meet international standards. It is to be noted that Pakistan is expected to host the ICC Champions Trophy early next year, their first ICC tournament since co-hosting 1996 ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

"There is a huge difference in international stadiums and those of ours. None of our stadiums are of international standard," said Naqvi while talking to media during inspection at Lahore's iconic Gaddafi Stadium.

He, however, felt confident of getting the work done before the tournament starts in February next year.

“The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) will make sure that all the stadiums in Pakistan become world-class. We will provide basic facilities in stadiums. The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan,” he added.

PCB has earmarked three venues in Karachi's National Stadium, Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi's Pindi Cricket Stadium to host the multi-nation tournament.

All three stadiums are currently undergoing renovation. PCB has also shifted the second Test against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi in order to not disrupt the ongoing work.

There's, however, no clarity on India travelling to Pakistan for the tournament. India had also opted out of travelling to Pakistan for regional Asia Cup tournament in 2023. India's matches in the regional tournament were instead held in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan although, had travelled to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 shortly after the Asia Cup last year.

PCB has also submitted a draft schedule to the ICC for the tournament and has marked Lahore as the venue for hosting all of India's matches in the tournament including the semi-final and final.

Pakistan has now left it upon the ICC to deal with India's participation in the Champions Trophy.