PCB refutes reports of changes in ICC Champions Trophy schedule

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday refuted reports of changes in the schedule of International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, saying it was “fully committed” to hosting the tournament.
The statement came a day after PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said none of Pakistan’s cricket stadiums could meet international standards in their present condition as he reviewed construction work at Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The PCB said a section of local media “misconstrued” Naqvi’s comments regarding the upgradation of three Pakistani cricket stadiums where the ICC Champions Trophy is supposed to be held, clarifying that the “redevelopment and redesign” of the stadiums would be completed on time.
“The PCB categorically denies the recent media reports suggesting that the dates for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan might be rescheduled,” the board said on Tuesday. “The PCB is fully committed to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at three of Pakistan’s iconic venues.”
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held from February 19 till March 9 next year in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. The tournament will be the first ICC event to be held in Pakistan since the 1996 One-Day International (ODI) World Cup.
The PCB expressed disappointment over the “unnecessary sensationalism” created by local media outlets in this regard.
“The PCB chairman also mentioned that while some domestic matches may need to be shifted to facilitate uninterrupted construction work, this in no way pertains to the ICC Champions Trophy, which remains a priority for the PCB as a premier eight-team international event,” it said, promising an “unforgettable experience” for cricket fans at the Champions Trophy.