PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi makes shocking revelation on Pakistan Stadiums amid renovation

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has admitted that the stadium qualities in Pakistan is way off the ICC regulations and has pledged to renovate the stadiums ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Naqvi recently inspected the renovation work at Gaddafi in Lahore. The PCB is upgrading its main cricket venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi ahead of next year's Champions Trophy.

Naqvi acknowledged that none of Pakistan's international cricket venues currently meet global standards, emphasizing the board's responsibility to enhance these facilities. During his visit, Naqvi highlighted the challenges involved in renovating the entire Gaddafi Stadium but expressed optimism about completing the work before the Champions Trophy.

"There is a huge difference in international stadiums and those of ours. None of our stadiums are of international standard," Naqvi told to the reporters.

The PCB has allocated approximately PKR 17 billion for renovating these stadiums. This decision was made independently by PCB and not as a requirement from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Despite this, an ICC delegation visited all three venues and deemed them fit to host matches. The ICC has also approved USD 70 million for Pakistan, which is PKR 1949 crore.

The PCB chief also mentioned that a site has been identified for constructing a hotel near Gaddafi Stadium to accommodate touring teams. However, it is to be seen if the project will get completed before the start of the tournament next year.

"The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) team is working day and night. We will make our stadiums one of the best in the world. Providing basic facilities in stadiums is our first priority," he added.

PCB has already moved the 2nd Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh from the National Stadium in Karachi. It was moved to Rawalpindi due to the renovation at the Karachi stadium, which will be readied ahead of the tournament.

Naqvi approved renovation designs during his visit to BDP Patterns, an architectural firm based in London. He remains hopeful that Gaddafi Stadium will host marquee matches and possibly the final of next year's Champions Trophy.