CT 2025: ICC extends PCB’s deadline for handover of venues for Champions Trophy 2025- Report
The ICC Champions Trophy is slated to begin in Pakistan from February 19.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly been given a lifeline by the ICC as the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is fast approaching. Reports have stated that ICC has extended the deadline for handing over the stadiums for PCB as a special exception.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in a delicate position since it must ensure that the stadiums are fit for the coveted competition. The refurbishment work in Lahore and Karachi continues little over two weeks before the event begins. However, the PCB is hopeful about fulfilling the timelines.
Pakistan is slated to play a tri-series with South Africa and New Zealand beginning on February 8, 2025. The tri-series was originally slated to take place in Multan but has now been moved to Lahore and Karachi.
This adjustment was made so that the PCB may evaluate both venues before the Champions Trophy, ensuring that they are in peak condition for the eight-team competition.
And now, ICC has agreed to this testing period by PCB and made a rare exception to its standard “exclusivity period” rules. The ICC normally enforces a three-week buffer before the commencement of a tournament during which the venues are solely controlled by the governing body.
The world cricket governing body, however, granted the PCB permission to use these venues for the tri-series matches, allowing the host nation to test the stadiums ahead of the Champions Trophy.
While the tournament's official support period begins on February 12, the ICC will not take complete control of the venues until the tri-series concludes. Meanwhile, the Dubai International Stadium, which will host all of India's matches, including any potential knockout games, will be available from February 10th, following the ILT20 tournament.
“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,” an ICC official was quoted by Times of India.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, the PCB is working hard to prepare the venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi to host the world's best cricketing nations. With the ICC's extended deadline, the PCB aims to complete all essential preparations in time for a successful competition.
