Security for Champions Trophy to be perfect, says Naqvi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the sitting Interior Minister, has promised foolproof security backed by immaculate arrangements for the visiting teams and officials during the Champions Trophy to be held at three different venues in February 2025 in Pakistan.

The PCB Chairman made this commitment while speaking to the ICC delegation that called on him at his Islamabad office following its final leg of visits to Stadiums, to be used to organise Champions Trophy matches.

The delegation was headed by ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley who only joined the other two members in Rawalpindi the other day.

“The teams turning up for the Champions Trophy will be extended foolproof security as we have been extending to all the visiting national cricket teams in recent past. Every international cricket team visiting Pakistan for the Test and limited over cricket matches in recent times expressed their utmost satisfaction with the security measures adopted by the law enforcement agencies with the help of PCB, to make their stay comfortable. Every step will be taken to provide the best security measures to the visiting teams,” Naqvi told the delegation.

The PCB Chairman also assured the delegation that by December, all the up-gradation work on the three stadiums would be completed.

“Every effort will be made to provide the best facilities to visiting teams, officials, and all those turning up for the mega-events. The PCB is also in the process of upgrading facilities at the three Stadiums where Champions Trophy matches will be played. By the time the event starts, all the necessary up-gradation work will have been completed,” Naqvi said.

He maintained that the PCB has already started preparations to host the mega event in the best possible way.

“Every required facility will be extended to visiting guests according to the standard requirement. Since Pakistan is hosting a cricketing mega event after a considerable gap, all possible steps will be taken to make the occasion worth remembering.”

The first step Naqvi took after taking the reins of PCB was to initiate upgrade of Karachi, Lahore, and Pindi stadiums that will be used to organise Champions Trophy matches.

“Pakistan is set to host an ICC Tournament which is an absolute pleasure and a welcome development not just for the board but also for the fans across the country who are an important stakeholder in this sport. The PCB will arrange top-notch facilities as per the stature of this historic tournament.

“I am delighted to announce that the PCB will upgrade the three major venues in the country well in time before the start of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB will leave no stone unturned in making this a very successful and memorable tournament,” Naqvi said.

The ICC delegation visited Pindi Stadium where PCB officials briefed them on the available facilities. The News has learnt that the delegation was impressed with the Pindi Stadium Media Centre and the view it offers.

The ICC delegation included Senior Manager Event Operations Sarah Iger and Event Operations Manager Aoun Mohammad Zaidi.

The meeting was also attended by COO PCB Salman Naseer and Director International Cricket PCB Usman Wahla and other PCB officials.