Naqvi promises top-notch security for visiting teams at Champions Trophy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Friday assured top-notch security measures for all the visiting teams in Champions Trophy besides guarantying the completion of upgradation work before start of the mega event that the country will host in February-March 2025.

The PCB chairman was talking to the ICC delegation that called on him at the Ministry of Interior’s offices in Islamabad on Friday morning. “We have all the arrangements in order and are on the track when it comes to completion of the upgradation work at three different venues where the Champions Trophy matches will be played,” Naqvi told the delegation.

‘The News’ has learnt that the PCB has shared a step-by-step upgradation plan for Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi with the delegation as to when the structure will be completed and when the entire upgradation work will be in place. A detailed discussion on security arrangements for the tournament also took place in the meeting.

The ICC delegation included ICC Senior Manager Events Sarah Edgar, Event Manager and Champions Trophy Event Lead Aun Muhammad Zaidi, General Manager Cricket, ICC, Wasim Khan, Security Manager David Musker and Broadcast Consultant Mansoor Manj.

From the PCB, Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla, Director Security Col (r) Khalid Mehmood and Head of Marketing Salman Mesud were also present on the occasion. The ICC delegation expressed satisfaction over the preparations in Karachi and Rawalpindi for the prestigious tournament. They also said the security arrangements in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad deemed to be satisfactory. Naqvi assured the ICC delegation of world-class arrangements for the Champions Trophy 2025.

He added that the upgradation work on the stadiums will be completed well before the tournament, and foolproof security arrangements will be made for all participating teams.

“Hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan is an honour and preparations are being finalised to match the grandeur of the tournament. All the teams will enjoy playing in a peaceful and secure environment,” PCB chairman told the delegation.

The delegation in response praised the PCB’s efforts to take foolproof security measures for all the international outfits visiting Pakistan in the recent past for red and white ball cricket. The chairman maintained that after the upgradation, the stadiums will be equipped with international standard facilities, enhancing the spectators’ experience.

“The Pakistani nation has a deep love for cricket and will support all the teams during the mega event in February and March next year.” The ICC delegation has left for Lahore on the last leg of the visit to Pakistan.