The moment that Pakistan long waited for is here, with the country set to host its first International Cricket Council event in nearly 30 years. A decade back, after the terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team in 2009, international cricket had come to a standstill. However, since 2017 from hosting the Pakistan Super League to successfully hosting bilateral series against all Test teams barring India, the Pakistan Cricket Board has managed to put its country back on cricketing map. With the Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19 in Karachi, in an exclusive interaction with The Indian Express, PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi, also the country’s Interior Minister, shares the challenges the board overcame along the way.
Excerpts
Can you explain how big an undertaking it was to get everything ready for Pakistan’s first multi-nation event in 30 years?
Our stadiums last underwent significant renovations for the 1996 World Cup. Since then, the global cricketing landscape has evolved tremendously. We recognised that this event was an opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host top-tier international cricket, ensuring that our facilities meet the highest global standards for players, officials, and fans alike. The dedication and expertise of our workforce have been instrumental in transforming Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium Karachi into world-class venues.
PCB has hosted bilateral series in recent times. But when it comes to the Champions Trophy, we are talking of a multi-nation event. Could you talk about the assurances that foreign teams sought?
Since 2019, all major Test-playing nations – except India – have toured Pakistan. Some multiple times. England and New Zealand, for instance, have visited three times in as many years, and foreign players regularly participate in the PSL. As a result, they are already familiar with Pakistan’s world-class playing conditions, operational efficiency and robust security measures.
That said, organising a multi-team ICC event presents a different set of challenges compared to a single-team bilateral series. This means constant coordination with the ICC across various operational aspects, ensuring alignment on security, logistics and venue readiness.
Pakistan cricket team. (FILE photo)
How much has the PCB spent to renovate the facilities at the three stadiums hosting the tournament and what sort of revenue is it expecting?
Story continues below this ad
While financial details remain confidential, it is important to note that the PCB has made a significant investment in upgrading our cricket infrastructure. This has been fully funded by the PCB without any external grants and it will strengthen Pakistan’s cricketing ecosystem.
There is always a concern around security in Pakistan. Did you need to provide specific assurances around security? What are the arrangements made for the teams and at the grounds?
As with any ICC event, the host nation must submit a comprehensive security plan for review by ICC security experts and representatives from participating countries. Our security plan was presented to the ICC Board in October 2024 and received unanimous approval. This plan ensures that all necessary protocols are in place to provide a safe and seamless experience for teams, officials, and spectators alike.
Would you say securing an event like the Champions Trophy was the goal when Pakistan started staging the PSL at home?
Story continues below this ad
The PSL played a pivotal role in reintegrating international cricket into Pakistan. It provided a platform for foreign players to experience Pakistan’s hospitality, security arrangements and cricketing passion firsthand. Once we successfully staged home international series and consistently delivered PSL editions at world-class standards, the ICC accepted and recognised Pakistan’s readiness to host a global event.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a culmination of those efforts. Our successful hosting of this event will further enhance Pakistan’s credentials, positioning us as a strong contender for more ICC men’s events in the next events cycle.