Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi says that the repair and renovation of five major cricket stadiums in the country will be done in 2025. Champions Trophy will be completed before
Speaking to the media after inspecting the ongoing construction work at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Monday, he has said that ‘you can see that the entire team is working day and night.’
He said that the improvement of the three major cricket stadiums in Pakistan was an impossible project “but we will complete the work before the Champions Trophy.”
He said that Champions Trophy matches will be held in Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore while the final will also be played there.
He assured that the repair and renovation work on the five major stadiums will be completed in any case.
‘The stadium in New York was completed in the last ten days, we will do it before that.’
Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the federal interior minister, said that the security agencies are emphasizing the need to hold matches without spectators, to which the PCB has agreed.
“But the security agencies say that labor should not be employed in the stadiums, which we are looking at to see why it can be made possible.”
He said that in this regard, contacts have been established between PCB and security agencies and a solution will be found.
In response to a question, he said that some Champions Trophy matches may be delayed but PCB’s main goal is to complete all the stadiums before the Champions Trophy, which will definitely happen.
In response to another question, Mohsin Naqvi said that the cricket stadiums in Pakistan were far behind the international standards and there was a dire need of work in them.
The difference between our stadiums and those of other countries is like heaven and earth. Ours are not international stadiums by any means. None of our stadiums are of international standard.
He further explained that the existing cricket stadiums in Pakistan had neither good seats nor bathrooms and the spectators felt as if they were watching the match from a distance of 500 meters.
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“If we have to stay in the 80s, that’s fine, otherwise none of our stadiums would have qualified internationally.”
When asked about possible rains in December, Mohsin Naqvi said that PCB is currently working on Plan A and wants to go with it. ‘Of course there is a Plan B.’
Chairman PCB said that apart from the enclosures on both sides of Gaddafi Stadium, the main building will be constructed, while efforts will be made to build up to three floors in the main building of Karachi Stadium.
He said that all the stadiums will be completely upgraded and there is still five months for this work.
The Interior Minister said that apart from repairing and renovating the existing stadiums, a new cricket stadium will be constructed in Islamabad, while attention is being paid to fitness and performance centers in Abbottabad and Skardu.
In response to a question, he said that some stadiums in the country are not owned by the federal government and in this regard a letter has been written to the provincial governments.
“If the provincial governments can do it themselves, then fine, otherwise if it is handed over to us, then we will definitely complete the work.”
Mohsin Naqvi said that the land for the building of hotels has been acquired for the accommodation of the players, but it is a complicated issue. ‘Can’t say now if it will happen or not.’
#cricket #stadiums #ready #Champions #Trophy #PCB
2024-08-19 22:58:41
