LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allocated Rs. 12.80 billion for upgradation of three stadiums ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled in February/March next year.
Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi presided 72nd Board of Governors (BoG) meeting where the approval of the 2024-25 budget was granted. In the meeting held at the National Cricket Academy, all members of the BoG were present
Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi's National Bank Cricket Arena and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium will be elevated ahead of the marquee event.
Meanwhile, funds amounting to Rs. 4.50 billion were set aside for the promotion of domestic cricket. Approval was also granted for an increase in the contracts of domestic players.
The budget for women's cricket has been increased from Rs. 70 million for the first time to 240 million, with approval also given for additions to their central contracts.
In the meeting, members were briefed about the preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy next year in Pakistan. Chairman PCB stated that international standards would be maintained for the Champions Trophy. The upgrading of stadiums will be completed before the event.
The stadium upgrades will enhance facilities for cricket enthusiasts. Naqvi informed the members about the steps taken to strengthen domestic and women's cricket.
Remember, the proposed dates for the Champions Trophy are from 19th February to 9th March.
Last month, the PCB sent the schedule of next year's Champions Trophy to the ICC for final approval where it was stated that the tournament will be held in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Seven matches, including the final, will be held in Lahore. Karachi's National Stadium will host the opening match and a semi-final. There will be a total of three matches in Karachi. Rawalpindi will host five matches, including a semi-final.
This event will mark the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, with its last occurrence in 2017, when Pakistan emerged victorious by defeating India in the final.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.
