Report: ICC Set to Grant Special Consideration to PCB Ahead of 2025 Champions Trophy Due to Struggles

The upcoming tournament 2025 Champions Trophy is just three weeks ahead, with the tournament set to kick off on February 19. Pakistan and the UAE will jointly host the prestigious event, but there's a lot of work to be done before Champions Trophy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is racing against the clock, working tirelessly to ensure that their stadiums are ready in time for the competition. With less than three weeks to go for the Champions Trophy.

Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been chosen as the three host cities, but there's still a lot of work to be done. The ICC has made a unique concession for the PCB.

Usually, the International Cricket Council (ICC) takes full control of the stadiums hosting its events three weeks before the tournament begins. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has requested that the ICC allow them to move the upcoming tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand from Multan to Lahore and Karachi.

The tri-series is set to begin on February 8, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) taking control of the stadiums during this period, rather than the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB has followed the required steps, and the ICC has approved an exclusivity period to test the venues. The Dubai stadium is also being used during the exclusive period for the ILT20.

During a press conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi didn't hold back, calling out the BCCI for spreading rumors about the slow pace of work. He made it clear that such claims were unfounded, addressing the issue head-on.

"Ek cheez kehna chahta hun. Border k uss paar bade log hai jo humare, ek patthar bhi galat lage toh voh dhundne ki koshish kar rahe hai. (I have noticed one thing. Across the border, there are big people, who are consistently searching for a mishap or error in the construction work, but by the grace of god, they haven't succeeded." Mohsin Naqvi said speaking with the media.

Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held on February 16.

ALSO READ: Lucknow Super Giants Owners Secure Major Stake in Manchester Originals for Massive Price