Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reaffirmed the board’s unwavering dedication towards organizing the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in Pakistan in February and March.

Naqvi made this statement during the 76th meeting of the Board of Governors (BoG), held at a local hotel in Islamabad on Wednesday.

During the meeting, key developments regarding Pakistan’s preparations for this prestigious event were discussed. Naqvi provided updates to BoG members, confirming that Pakistan is fully on track to host the tournament.

He highlighted the national importance of the Champions Trophy and pledged to ensure that it was held without compromise. “From day one, our focus has been on ensuring the success of Pakistan and cricket,” Naqvi said.

“We will spare no effort to preserve the prestige of this event. All participating teams will receive a warm welcome,” added Naqvi, emphasizing the PCB’s keenness to organize a world-class tournament.

He also stressed the importance of keeping cricket apolitical, saying: “Cricket is a sport loved by millions, and we believe it should remain independent of politics. »

The meeting also reviewed progress made in upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, aimed at meeting the stringent international standards required for the tournament. The members expressed satisfaction with the work done and commended the PCB for its efforts in ensuring Pakistan’s preparedness as a host country.

The BoG members also noted the success of the ongoing Champions T20 Cup at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the precursor to the Champions Trophy. Earlier this year, the PCB successfully hosted the Champions One-Day Cup in Faisalabad, building confidence in Pakistan’s organizational capabilities.

The discussion also covered the ICC’s approval of the ‘merger formula’ proposed by the PCB to resolve the logistical challenges associated with Indo-Pak matches in ICC tournaments. Reportedly, the decision was taken at an unofficial ICC meeting earlier this year.

Under the arrangement, India will play their matches in the UAE during the 2025 Champions Trophy instead of traveling to Pakistan.

Similarly, Pakistan will not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the matches of which, including the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash, are scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka, the co-host of the event.