India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in February-March next year, is still unknown. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that the decision will completely depend on the government of the country. It is worth noting that there has been no bilateral series between India and Pakistan for over a decade due to the heightened political tensions between the two countries. While speaking on the issue, India’s star player Kuldeep Yadav indicated that he and the Indian team would definitely go to Pakistan to play if given a chance.
“As cricketers, we play wherever we are sent. I have never been to Pakistan so I am excited. The Pakistani people are great and whenever we get a chance, we will definitely play there,” Kuldeep said at an event in Australia, as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has dismissed reports of rescheduling next year's ICC Champions Trophy. PCB issued a statement following remarks made by chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the redevelopment of the stadium.
In preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan, PCB has ordered the renovation of the National Stadium in Karachi, the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore at a cost of Rs 12.8 billion, Geo News reported.
Speaking at a press conference to discuss the renovation work at the Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said there is a big difference between the international stadiums and the stadiums in Pakistan.
“There is a huge difference between international stadiums and ours […] “None of our stadiums meet international standards,” Naqvi said, as quoted by Geo News.
“The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) team works day and night. [We] will make our stadiums among the best in the world […] providing basic facilities in stadiums is [our] first priority. God willing, the Champions Trophy will indeed take place in Pakistan. The match dates may shift, but the PCB is actively coordinating with security agencies. The main objective is to have these stadiums ready for the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi concluded.
Following this, PCB issued a statement saying, “It is disappointing that certain media have misinterpreted PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's comments from yesterday's media interaction, by misleadingly quoting him on the possibility of changing the dates for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to security concerns, thereby creating unnecessary sensationalism.”
PCB reported that Naqvi had stated in a media address that the redevelopment and redesign of the stadiums will be completed on schedule, making them available to host the tournament.
“The PCB Chairman also indicated that some domestic matches may have to be rescheduled to allow for the smooth running of the construction work, but that this in no way affects the ICC Champions Trophy, which remains a priority for the PCB as an eight-team, top-class international event.”
“The PCB is fully committed to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 across three of Pakistan’s iconic venues, ensuring an unforgettable experience for our passionate cricket fans. In line with this commitment, the PCB has already submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the proposed dates being 19 February to 9 March 2025,” the statement concluded.
(With ANI inputs)
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