Fine on delayed upgradation mere rumours: PCB

ISLAMABAD: The official of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied imposition of any fine on delaying the restructuring of grounds, calling these mere rumors. PCB COO Syed Sumair Ahmad, who appeared before the Senate Standing Committee in Cabinet Secretariat, said that such rumors ‘are part of propaganda and there is no truth in it’.

The PCB official added that the restructuring of three stadiums where the Champions Trophy matches will be organized is well on track. “The upgradation of Gaddafi, National Bank Stadium and Pindi Stadium will be completed well before time. That is why we are going to organize a tri-nation series ahead of the Champions Trophy at these stadiums,” the official said.

Sumair Ahmad added that the PCB’s Governing Board comprises 13 members and was mandated to develop and nurture cricket across the country. “With the successful completion of the Pakistan and England series, Pakistan is currently hosting the West Indies and the PCB is also engaging private partners to foster local talent at school level.”

The committee was informed that after 28 years, Pakistan will be hosting an international mega cricketing event of such scale. “For the ICC Champions Trophy all the foreign cricket teams apart from India will be visiting Pakistan and the matches of the event will be played in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.” The committee strongly recommended that Quetta Stadium be upgraded on international standards and skilled/technical members be added to the board of governors of the PCB.