PCB Unveils Major Upgrades and Initiatives Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced comprehensive plans for upgrading stadiums in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi to meet international standards ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking at a press conference, Naqvi detailed the ongoing construction efforts, which include the demolition and reconstruction of old stadium structures, and the addition of a five-star hotel near the PCB headquarters.

Naqvi emphasized the commitment of the Pakistan Cricket Board to hosting the Champions Trophy, despite attempts by certain elements to prevent the event from being held in Pakistan. He revealed that the ICC has approved the budget for the tournament, and construction of the new stadiums is expected to be completed within five months.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the foundation stone of the new building of Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore, expressing his desire to restore the lost prestige and position of Pakistan’s cricket team. Naqvi also highlighted the recent developments in women’s cricket and the appointment of Sana Mir to lead initiatives for its improvement.

In addition to the infrastructure upgrades, Naqvi announced the launch of three new tournaments for the domestic cricket season 2024-25: the Champions Cup ODI, Champions Cup T20, and Champions First Class Cup. These tournaments aim to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, with the new season set to begin on September 1.

Naqvi also shared plans to increase the remuneration of domestic players, with category-1 players now earning Rs5.5 lakh compared to Rs0.3 million last season. Waqar Younis, newly appointed adviser on cricket affairs, expressed gratitude for his role and called for cricket legends to work together to enhance the cricket structure in Pakistan.