Naqvi meets UAE’s Sheikh Nahyan amid venue troubles for Indo-Pak matches

Champions Trophy likely to begin on February 17, with Pak VS New Zealand match

GHOTKI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with UAE royal and politician Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak to discuss Champions Trophy venue. The meeting took place in Sheikh Nahyan’s tent in Ghotki.

The meeting was held to discuss a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy. Sources familiar with the meeting said that Dubai stadium will likely be finalised for Pak-India matches.

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Earlier, PCB Chairman Naqvi said that development work is underway at the National Stadium Karachi. The structure will be completed in 10 to 12 days, then we need a month, Naqvi said, adding that work will be going on for the entire month of January.

Two big screens are being installed in the stadium. Cricket fans will enjoy watching the match in the stadium, PCB chairman said.

He had also said that talks are underway for the neutral venue, which will likely be finalised soon.

Mohsin Naqvi said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) will soon release the Champions Trophy schedule. “I am clear what we have to do,” Naqvi said, adding, “I think Karachiites will get great news.”

PCB chairman said, “Practically, Karachi Kings have to own [the upcoming tournament], because they are the ones who are going to have more matches”. He said that after the Champions Trophy, the PCB will also auction a five-star hotel.

ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 PROBABLE SCHEDULE

The ICC is yet to formally announce the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule, but sources said that the tourney will likely start from February 19.

Also read: Champions Trophy: Tentative schedule revealed

The final of the Champions Trophy will be played on March 9. If India does not qualify for the final, then the match will be held in Pakistan, sources said.

Sources said that the opening match will most likely be played between Pakistan and New Zealand.

The Pakistan-India match will be held on February 23 at a neutral venue. The first semi-final will be played on March 4 at a neutral venue. However, the second semi-final will be held in Lahore on March 5, according to sources.