The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly refuted recent media speculation about a possible rescheduling of the dates for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. “It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi’s comments from yesterday’s media interaction, misleadingly quoting him on the potential change of dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to security concerns, thus creating unnecessary sensationalism,” read the statement on their website.
This announcement follows the PCB’s decision to relocate Pakistan’s second Test against Bangladesh, originally set for August 30, from Karachi to Rawalpindi. The move was necessitated by ongoing heavy construction work and the tight redevelopment timeline for the National Bank Stadium, which is being readied for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Pakistan Cricket Board, in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, has opted to relocate the second ICC World Test Championship fixture to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
“During the media talk, which is available on the PCB’s official YouTube channel, the PCB Chair clearly stated that the redevelopment and redesign of the three designated stadia would be completed on schedule, ensuring readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” it further added.
“The PCB Chair also mentioned that while some domestic matches may need to be shifted to facilitate uninterrupted construction work, this in no way pertains to the ICC Champions Trophy, which remains a priority for the PCB as a premier eight-team international event,” he said.
Pakistan will play two Test matches against Bangladesh before focusing on their October series against England. The second Test of the England series will be held in Karachi.
With the Bangladesh Test being moved out of Karachi, there are indications that the same could happen for the England series. However, the PCB has yet to make a definitive statement regarding this possibility.
“The PCB is fully committed to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at three of Pakistan’s iconic venues, ensuring an unforgettable experience for our passionate cricket fans. In line with this commitment, the PCB has already submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the proposed dates spanning from 19 February to 9 March 2025,” concluded the statement.
