As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, Pakistan’s readiness has been challenged by ongoing stadium work. The Pakistan Cricket Board has received an exceptions waiver for the exclusivity period, allowing them to host a tri-series shortly before the event, which could hinder venue preparations. The ICC remains confident in readiness based on their assessments.
Concerns are being raised regarding Pakistan’s preparedness to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to visible construction work at various stadiums. Traditionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is required to submit venues to the ICC three weeks prior to the event. However, the ICC has granted an exception to Pakistan, allowing a tri-series in February involving South Africa and New Zealand, limiting the time for venue preparation.
The ICC’s standard practice involves an exclusivity period during which the host must hand over venues for branding, sponsorship, and venue checks. With the Champions Trophy starting on February 19, the PCB has had its exclusivity period waived, leading to some concerns. Critical tests on the venues can only proceed after the tri-series ends, which is just days before the tournament begins.
Additionally, the Dubai stadium will be unavailable for ICC preparations until February 10 due to its commitment to other events. Despite this, reports indicate that the ICC is still confident in the event’s progress. The PCB’s management has followed the necessary protocol to get approvals for activities during the exclusivity period and has received confirmation from the ICC following multiple site inspections that the venues are ready for the tournament.
The ICC Champions Trophy is a significant global cricket event scheduled for February 2025 in Pakistan. Normally, host countries must ensure venues are ready weeks in advance, but the PCB’s situation has led to deviations from this norm. The urgency for venue readiness stems from several delays and ongoing constructions at key stadiums, which have raised questions about Pakistan’s organizational capabilities and readiness.
In conclusion, while there are doubts about Pakistan’s readiness for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to construction at stadiums, the ICC has allowed some exceptions to facilitate preparations. The PCB is working on a tri-series which has affected the typical venue handover timeline. However, the ICC remains optimistic based on their inspections and oversight efforts.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
