PCB funds 12.8 billion rupees for Champions Trophy 2025 venues upgradation – Reports

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allotted PKR 12.80 billion ($49 million) for three ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venues' upgradation, saidreports in local media. The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has accepted the new designs of three stadiums – the National Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.Naqvi approved the designs after his latest visit to BDP Pattern's head office – a renowned architectural firm based in London, United Kingdom, where he met Chairman Chris Harding and other senior officials.

The development comes days after Geo News in Pakistan reported that PCB commenced construction at Karachi Stadium, which will host the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, but without fans.

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Meanwhile, the apex body – the International Cricket Council (ICC), has approved a budget of around $70 million for the tournament, as the amount will cover the expenses incurred during the support period window scheduled from February 12 to 18. That window, however, is designated for warm-up matches, media-related activities and promotional events. All activities during that period will get underway in consultation between the ICC and PCB.

During his visit, the firm briefed Naqvi about the new designs. The PCB chairman expressed satisfaction over the venue upgrade project, saying it’s the first time the arenas will get reformed for such a vast audience.

The PCB chairman also admitted to overseeing this project, promising to complete the venue upgrade before the 2025 Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9.

The UK-based firm, founded 63 years ago, has designed around 200 stadiums worldwide, securing over 1000 design quality awards.

Jay Shah on India touring Pakistan for 2025CT

BCCI secretary Jay Shah commented on the board’s stance of sending Team India across the border in a recent chat with Times of India (TOI).

“No stand as of now. We will cross the bridge when it comes,” he said.

Per the draft schedule submitted to ICC, India is placed in Group A alongside the hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. Considering the BCCI denied sending its team to Pakistan for last year’s Asia Cup, resulting in Sri Lanka getting added as a last-minute co-host, the PCB has scheduled all India matches in Lahore, including the marquee game between arch-rivals on March 1.

Also, should India qualify for the semis and the final, they will play their matches in Lahore.

(With inputs from agencies)