ICC delegation to reach Pakistan today

ISLAMABAD: An ICC delegation is scheduled to reach Pakistan today (Thursday) to evaluate preparations for the forthcoming Champions Trophy to be hosted by Pakistan in February 2025.

‘The News’ has learnt that the three-day visit is a part of the ICC’s routine visit aimed at getting an update about the venue’s preparations for the ICC mega event. The visit is important for finalising the schedule, ticketing, and accreditations for the matches to be played during the Champions Trophy.

The ICC has yet to finalise schedule for the eight-team event to be held at three venues in Pakistan. Besides Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Bank Stadium in Karachi and Pindi Cricket Stadium will also host the mega event that was held in England in 2017. Pakistan are the defending champions of the Champions Trophy.

The ICC delegation’s visit holds substantial importance as it would pave the way for the completion of all the formalities as soon as possible. The schedule and accreditation process of media and other visiting officials have yet to start. The ICC team’s visit to the venues will help give final touches to all the arrangements.

Besides other teams, there are strong chances that India would go on to play all their matches at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to help them avoid traveling hazards. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi was optimistic about the India team’s visit, saying that he was in constant touch with the BCCI secretary and now the ICC chairman-elect Jay Shah.

Jay Shah would be facing added pressure this time around as being the ICC chairman he has to ensure smooth holding of the ICC mega event. Meanwhile, the upgradation work at the Gaddafi Stadium and NBP Stadium is in progress.

The PCB hopes to complete the upgradation by December’s end. It has also been decided not to make major changes at the Pindi Stadium and instead make it ready and uplift its face for the Champions Trophy.

The PCB chairman has already directed to construct state-of-the-art (Dubai Stadium model) stadium in Islamabad. The work on the new stadium will get underway after the Champions Trophy.