PCB board approves stadium upgrades, lauds Mohsin Naqvi

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Board of Governors (BoG) held a video link meeting on Monday under the chairmanship of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, during which several key decisions related to infrastructure development and the future of cricket in Pakistan were approved.

The BoG formally approved the second phase of the reconstruction of the National Cricket Stadium Karachi. The meeting also decided to upgrade the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground to an Oval Ground – style venue, with the Board giving official approval for the upgradation project.

During the meeting, members appreciated the hard work and professionalism of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his team for the successful Pakistan Super League (PSL) roadshows held in London and New York.

The BoG also paid tribute to the personal efforts of the PCB chairman for ensuring the continuation of the recent Sri Lankan team’s tour of Pakistan. A resolution of gratitude in honor of Mohsin Naqvi was unanimously passed by the board members.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi said that the credit for the continuation of the Sri Lankan tour did not belong to him alone but to the entire PCB team. “We worked sincerely and Allah Almighty helped us,” he said. He added that the success of the PSL roadshows was the collective success of the PCB and the entire PSL team, noting that everyone worked tirelessly day and night to make the Pakistan Super League an international brand.

The Chairman further informed the meeting that all possible efforts were being made to hold PSL 11 matches at the Muzaffarabad Stadium, adding that international matches would also be hosted at the venue in the future. He also announced that a state-of-the-art cricket stadium would be constructed in Islamabad.

The meeting was briefed that a well-known private firm has begun scrutiny of cricket clubs at the regional level. CEO PSL Salman Naseer presented a detailed briefing on the PSL roadshows, while the BoG was also informed about upcoming ICC Women’s and Men’s cricket tournaments. Additionally, a comprehensive briefing was given on strengthening the domestic cricket structure and increasing the number of tournaments and matches at the grassroots level.

The meeting was attended by Board of Governors members Ismail Qureshi, Tariq Sarwar, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, Anwar Ghani, Zaheer Abbas and Tanveer Ahmed. Zafarullah, Mustafa Ramde, Adnan Malik, Additional Secretary Cabinet Division, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed and PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer were also present, along with the Chief Financial Officer, Directors of Infrastructure, Domestic Cricket, Commercial departments and other relevant officials.