Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has expressed strong confidence that all participating teams, including India, will take part in the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for next year in Pakistan.
During an informal media interaction on Saturday, Naqvi addressed concerns about the recent appointment of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah as the ICC Chairman. He downplayed any potential issues, stating, “There’s no issue with Shah’s appointment. We remain in regular contact with him, engage in discussions at ACC meetings, and maintain communication with all member nations, including India.”
Naqvi assured that Pakistan is fully prepared to host all visiting teams with warmth and hospitality. “We are committed to providing an exceptional experience for all teams during the Champions Trophy,” he emphasized.
The Chairman also mentioned that he will participate virtually in the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting set to begin in Kuala Lumpur. Although he will miss the meeting in person due to prior commitments, Salman Naseer will represent Pakistan. Naqvi added that the ACC presidency for the PCB will be finalized during this meeting.
Regarding the development projects linked to the Champions Trophy, Naqvi revealed that plans to build a new hotel in Lahore have been deferred until after the tournament. However, the construction of a new hotel in Karachi is underway, with advertisements already out for its design and construction.
Naqvi expressed his hope that international companies will submit their designs to ensure the hotels are built to the highest standards, featuring modern facilities to accommodate international guests.
As the tournament approaches, PCB’s ongoing preparations and Naqvi’s optimistic outlook reflect the board’s dedication to hosting a successful and inclusive ICC Champions Trophy.
