Champions Trophy: PCB chief Naqvi provides update on Pakistan squad, venue upgradation

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi was in a relaxed mood, following upgradation of venues, stating that the board is now ready to host the tri-nation series, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy.

Naqvi also confirmed on Friday that Lahore will host a Champions Trophy-related event on February 16.

“It’s a great blessing from Allah that we are now ready for the events,” Naqvi told a news conference here at Gaddafi Stadium.

“No one can forget the hard work done by the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and its officials who tirelessly worked to ensure the venue is prepared well in time,” Naqvi said.

“The event relating to Champions Trophy will be held on February 16 at Lahore. This function will be hosted by the PCB and ICC jointly,” said Naqvi, also the federal minister.

Naqvi said that the board had fulfilled its promise of upgrading the Gaddafi Stadium in time for the Champions Trophy.

“We started demolishing the stadium in September and on October 8 or 9 I think its construction had started and today is January 31 and you can see that in which situation the stadium is,” Naqvi said.

“We are now going to inaugurate Gaddafi Stadium on February 7. The Prime Minister will inaugurate it. And on February 11 President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari will inaugurate the National Stadium Karachi,” Naqvi said.

He said that Gaddafi Stadium is being given final touches and will be 100 percent complete before its inauguration.

“The stadium's capacity and view have been enhanced. Now our biggest target is the holding of the ICC Champions Trophy and we are fully ready for that. We will welcome all the participating teams and the PCB is working hard to ensure security and other arrangements are completed well in time,” he said.

Huge investment

“We have spent a lot and also added several things whether it is in sound system, screen or in the form of LED lights. The tickets which we were getting from the ICC have been surrendered and we have decided to sell those passes in order to increase our revenue,” Naqvi said.

He said that all cricket boards, whose teams are in the Champions Trophy, have been invited to witness the matches.

“We have also invited all the cricket boards whose teams are set to feature in the Champions Trophy besides the ICC officials, ICC chairman and some sports ministers and we are very excited to welcome them,” he said.

He also revealed that the folding seats which have been installed at the GSL have 20-year warranty.

“Chairs have been imported from China. The chairs previously installed here were five times more expensive than these chairs. These chairs are of international standard and their warranty is 20 years. The shipment process was tiresome and the PCB was busy tracking the whole process,” he said.

Naqvi also confirmed that they will extend a lunch to the labor which worked in the GSL construction on February 7, adding they will also witness the game of the tri-nation series between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 8 at the GSL.

“And the same exercise will also be held at Karachi,” Naqvi was quick to add.

Asked that captains’ absence from the February 16 event is being criticized, Naqvi said it was not possible due to different arrival schedule of the teams.

“May be, we do it at any other time,” he said.

He also hoped that Pakistan will win the Champions Trophy.

“I have full trust in my selection committee and whatever the players it has selected would be the best and InshaAllah we will definitely win the Champions Trophy. I would tell you that the team is in good momentum and united,” Naqvi said.

He also revealed that, inside the next ten months, the PCB would construct brand new stadium either in Rawalpindi or Islamabad for which site has also been identified.

He also gave update about left-handed opener Saim Ayub, who will miss the Champions Trophy because of an ankle injury.

“Saim is now fine. Plaster has been removed from his foot and he is in rehab. I am in contact with his doctors but it will take minimum four weeks to recover and InshaAllah he will soon return to the squad,” Naqvi said.

He said that two different Pakistan teams will be seen for red and white-ball cricket in 2026.

“In the beginning of 2026 you will see sperate teams for both red and white ball cricket. The selection committee had so far made the best decisions and in the end win or loss is in the hands of God,” Naqvi concluded.