PCB Official Confirms Champions Trophy Preparations on Track
In a recent statement, a representative from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) assured that all preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy are progressing smoothly. With renovations at key venues like Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi set to wrap up by early February, fans can rest easy ahead of this exciting tournament.
Timely Completion of Renovations
The PCB official confirmed, “All the work will be done by the first week of February. Pakistan will successfully host the Champions Trophy. No need to go by any rumours.” This announcement comes amid speculation regarding potential relocations of the tournament due to delays. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to send an inspection team to evaluate the stadiums’ readiness, while Dubai remains on standby as a contingency plan.
Tournament Details
Kicking off on February 19 and culminating on March 9, the Champions Trophy will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches across the three venues. However, it’s important to note that India will be playing its matches in Dubai due to an agreement between the PCB, ICC, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following the Indian government’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan.
Significance of the Event
This tournament is particularly significant for Pakistan, marking the nation’s first time hosting an ICC event in nearly three decades, the last being the ODI World Cup in 1996. In a related development, the PCB announced a venue change for the ODI tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, relocating it from Multan to Karachi and Lahore, citing readiness of the stadiums.
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