PCB chief provides an update regarding Champions Trophy preparations

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday, addressed the prospects of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

But Mohsin Naqvi, in a casual interaction with the media in Karachi, reiterated that all eight teams will visit Pakistan to participate in the ICC event.

“Do not worry, all teams will come to Pakistan to play Champions Trophy,” Naqvi told reporters.

The PCB chief also provided a timeframe regarding the upgradation of major stadiums, a crucial task for the cricketing body to host the multi-national tournament.

“The upgradation of stadiums will be completed by December 15,” Naqvi said.

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Naqvi also broke silence on the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman from Pakistan’s white-ball squads and central contracts, stating selection committee will decide the batter’s future.

The PCB chief asserted that he never intervened in the selection process while addressing the concerns regarding Fakhar’s saga.

“I don’t interfere in any player’s selection. The selection committee will decide whether Fakhar Zaman will be in the team or not,” said Naqvi.

“I never told [selection committee] to select or drop a certain player,” he added.

The PCB, on Sunday, announced the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, along with the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe.

However, Fakhar Zaman’s name was missing from the central contract list and squads for the upcoming tours.

During a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, a journalist asked the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, if Fakhar Zaman was left out due to his social media post defending Babar Azam.

In response, Naqvi acknowledged the controversy surrounding Fakhar’s social media post, which has been deemed a violation of the central contract.

However, he emphasized that the primary factor leading to Fakhar’s exclusion was due to concerns over the batter’s fitness.

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