Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has admitted that stadiums in the country are nowhere near international standards as they lacked basic amenities for the spectators. Naqvi on his recent visit to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium said that months ahead of ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, efforts have been made to bridge the gap.
“There was a world of difference between our stadiums and those in the rest of the world. In no way were they international stadiums; koi bhi stadiums internationally qualify kar hi nhi sakta tha — na seats the, na bathrooms aur view asa tha ki aap 500 metre door se dekh rahe hai (none of them could qualify as international by any standard — there weren’t enough seats or bathrooms, and the view made it seem like you were watching from 500 meters away),” Naqvi said.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to clarify whether the Rohit Sharma-led side will go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has maintained his stance that the decision will be taken by the government.
Pakistan’s home schedule
Meanwhile, Pakistan are hosting a two-Test series against Bangladesh which will commence on August 21. The Test series will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. After the Test series against Bangladesh, Pakistan will host England for a three-Test series. The Test series will commence on October 7. The first Test will be played at Multan Cricket Stadium. The second Test will be played at National Stadium, Karachi whereas Rawalpindi will host the third and final Test of the series.
Pakistan Playing XI for first Test vs Bangladesh
Pakistan have also announced their playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh. Pakistan will be without the services of their specialist spinner Abrar Ahmed as they have opted for a pace-heavy attack.
Pakistan Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali
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