PCB Denies Reports on Rescheduling of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has flatly dismissed some recent media speculations over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in Pakistan. Scotching that idea, the PCB was categorical in its stance: “We would like to state very firmly and categorically there will be NO change of dates for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup which is scheduled in June-July 2009.
All this has come hours after it was revealed by the PCB that Pakistan’s second Test against Bangladesh had been shifted to Karachi. The match has been moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium because of the ongoing redevelopment work at National Bank Stadium in Karachi, which will be prepared for 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The PCB, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), decided that having a narrow Test window between an ODIs and before their New Zealand tour — which would have disrupted Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship schedule: they are currently third on the points table behind Australia and India. The move emphasizes the PCB’s desire to keep a flow for both its domestic and international cricket activities.
Speaking to media during a recent interaction — available on the PCB Youtube channel, Mohsin Naqvi shot back:, “Please be assured redevelopment of three major stadiums in Pakistan is very much underway. He added that these stadiums would be prepared and ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is one of the topmost projects on board’s plans. Naqvi confirmed that they would make ‘accommodations’ to move the odd domestic game to other centres, but reiterated it had no bearing on Champions Trophy.
That they have planned it out early is clear from a draft schedule sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC), proposing that the tournament be held between February 19 and March 9, in time for players to return before domestic competitions. This step reminds that how committed is the board to produce a world class event which will take cricket fraternity of Pakistan and worldwide by storm.
The tour will be followed by a home series against England, after they return from their two-Test rubber in September against Bangladesh. The PCB has re-inspected its SOP after the recent venue switch and will again shift to other venues subject to ensuring smooth conduct of events.