LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi asserted that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Pakistan despite the uncertainty regarding arch-rivals India’s participation in the tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country. Meanwhile, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in an interaction with the media after his visit to oversee the ongoing renovation work being done at the Gaddafi Stadium here, revealed that he has been in contact with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary regarding the global eight-team tournament. “Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, we are in touch with the BCCI Secretary,” said Naqvi. “[We are] also in contact with the boards of the teams participating in the Champions Trophy,” he added. Mohsin Naqvi further commented on the appointment of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah as the new Independent International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman, stating there is no concern.

“There is no problem with Jay Shah becoming ICC Chairman,” Naqvi stated. The PCB chief then shared that the renovations of the stadiums will be completed before the commencement of the Champions Trophy. “The basement of Gaddafi Stadium will be constructed by September 30. Each floor will be completed in a three-week period. The front building would consist of a steel structure. The main building of Gaddafi Stadium will be completed by December 31,” said Naqvi. “Pindi Stadium will have to be completely demolished and rebuilt, the seats will be installed in the stadium before the Champions Trophy. “The renovation at Karachi’s [National Stadium] will also be completed before the Champions Trophy,” he concluded.