In a significant boost for Pakistan’s cricketing ambitions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its satisfaction with the country’s preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
During an ICC meeting, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi provided a detailed briefing regarding the country’s preparations including the ongoing renovations and upgrades to stadiums and facilities, assuring the council that everything is on schedule.
The ICC board members were also reassured that all remaining work would be completed well before the tournament’s start. PCB is hopeful of completing all the upgrades before the end of the year.
Mohsin Naqvi reportedly also extended a formal invitation to the ICC board members to visit Pakistan ahead of the 2025 event in order to to personally inspect the preparations.
However, there was still no word regarding India’s participation in the tournament.
A cloud of uncertainty continues to linger over the issue as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues to reject proposals set forth by PCB. India’s participation is contingent on an approval from the Indian government to allow the national team to travel to Pakistan.
The tournament could mark the arch-rivals’ first meeting since the T20 World Cup back in June, with two countries still only facing each other in the ICC sanctioned evens.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is slated to take place from February 19th to March 9th .