LAHORE: Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of Pakistan Cricket (PCB) on Friday said that Gaddafi Stadium will be inaugurated on February 7 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
During a press conference held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi discussed the key developments regarding the Champions Trophy and the progress of stadium construction.
Mohsin Naqvi also announced the dates of the inauguration of Qaddafi Stadium Lahore and National Bank Stadium Karachi ahead of the mega event.
“Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] will inaugurate Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium on February 7 and President [Asif Ali Zardari] will inaugurate Karachi’s stadium on February 11,” Naqvi stated.
“We have scheduled a Champions Trophy ceremony for February 16 in Lahore in collaboration with the ICC,” the PCB chief said.
He further stated about the stadium’s construction timeline and also thanked the people who had been critical of the project.
”The stadium’s construction began in October and today its progress is in front of you.”We appreciate the critics,” he said.
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Naqvi also revealed about holding a meeting with the selection committee, saying that the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 will be announced later today.
He further briefed about extending invitations to the ICC officials and all cricket boards including the Board of Control for Cricket in India to visit for the games.
“Some of them plan to arrive for the semi-final while others plan to visit Pakistan for the final. The schedule for their arrival differs, but a lot of guests are coming to Pakistan,” Chairman PCB said.
Responding to the questions about chairs at Gaddafi Stadium, Mohsin Naqvi said that high-quality chairs were imported from ChinaŰ”
“The chairs are five times cheaper and of international standard with a warranty of 20 years,” Naqvi said.
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