The ICC has reportedly granted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) an extension on the deadline for handing over venues for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This rare exception comes as PCB works to ensure stadiums are fully prepared for the prestigious tournament.
With refurbishment work still underway in Lahore and Karachi just weeks before the event, PCB remains optimistic about meeting deadlines. To aid its preparations, Pakistan will host a tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand from February 8, 2025.
Originally scheduled for Multan, the series has been shifted to Lahore and Karachi, allowing PCB to assess both venues ahead of the Champions Trophy.
In a departure from its standard “exclusivity period” rule, which grants the governing body full control of host venues three weeks before a tournament, the ICC has permitted PCB to use these venues for the tri-series. This approval enables PCB to test the stadiums while ensuring they meet necessary standards.
The Champions Trophy’s official support period begins on February 12, but ICC will assume full control of the venues only after the tri-series concludes. Meanwhile, Dubai International Stadium—set to host all of India’s matches, including potential knockout games—will become available from February 10, following the ILT20 tournament.
An ICC official told Times of India, “Hosts may seek approval from ICC for activities to take place in venues within the exclusivity window. PCB has followed the process, and the ICC has authorized this for the exclusivity period for testing of the venues. Similarly, the Dubai stadium is also being used during the exclusivity period for the ILT20.”
As the Champions Trophy approaches, PCB continues its efforts to finalize preparations at venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. With the ICC’s extended deadline, the board is focused on ensuring a smooth and successful tournament.
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