Champions Trophy will be in Pakistan, we are in touch with BCCI Secretary: Mohsin Naqvi

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made no comment on whether Rohit Sharma and Co. will travel to Pakistan next year for the Champions Trophy, but Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said he has been in touch with the BCCI secretary, Jay Shah. 

India haven’t played in Pakistan since 2008, and the two countries haven't played a bilateral since 2012. Even when Pakistan hosted the 2023 Asia Cup, India played their matches in Sri Lanka and there’s a possibility that a similar ‘Hybrid Model’ could be followed for next year’s Champions Trophy as well.

“Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, we are in touch with the BCCI Secretary. (We are) also in contact with the boards of the teams participating in the Champions Trophy,” said Naqvi.

The PCB is also revamping the stadiums for the showpiece event, and Naqvi acknowledged that Pakistan's infrastructure will have to improve if they want to compete with other nations.

“The basement of Gaddafi Stadium will be constructed by September 30. Each floor will be completed in a three-week period. The front building would consist of a steel structure. The main building of Gaddafi Stadium will be completed by December 31,” said Naqvi.

“Pindi Stadium will have to be completely demolished and rebuilt, the seats will be installed in the stadium before the Champions Trophy. The renovation at Karachi’s (National Stadium) will also be completed before the Champions Trophy.

“If you had a look at the stadium across the world. Hamara Stadium aur duniya ke stadium ka zameen asman ka faraq hein [There is a lot of difference between our stadium and the other good stadiums in the world]. None of them could qualify as an international stadium.”

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