Champions Trophy Stadium Supervisor Breaks Silence On Renovation Delay, Slams PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) insists that Karachi’s National Stadium might be able to host matches of the upcoming Champions Trophy regardless of mounting considerations across the venue’s preparedness for the marquee occasion beginning February 19. Pakistan’s revered main English each day ‘Dawn’ on Wednesday carried a narrative which said that “it seems absolutely impossible to contemplate the renovation work being completed within the deadline, but the personnel handed the responsibility are beaming with confidence.” “The board would either be hero or zero for taking up such a mammoth task,” the newspaper commented.

Although PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi inspected the Rawalpindi stadium on Tuesday and warranted that the Champions Trophy could be held as deliberate, it appears unlikely that the board would get management of the renovated venues in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi by the January 31 deadline.

The different upcoming main worldwide matches at these venues embody the four-match tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa from February 8 to 14 with the primary two video games in Lahore after which two matches, together with the ultimate, in Karachi.

“Look, the stadiums will be in a shape to host matches but the question is the PCB has promised everyone a world-class experience at these renovated venues for the Tri-series and Champions Trophy and whether they can deliver on that promise remains to be seen,” a supply, who’s following the development work, stated.

Bilal Chohan, the person liable for the renovation work, is reportedly complaining about not getting required gear and clearances on time to finish the work in Karachi.

The panels to be put in on the brand new constructing have been to be launched from the Karachi Port solely on Sunday night time, with its set up scheduled for the subsequent morning.

“These are the kind of things we are dealing with, but sometimes it’s sad to see people bashing us,” Chohan complained.

The PCB has spent round PKR 12 billion on renovation, constructions and set up of kit in any respect three venues in Lahore and Karachi.

Tickets have already gone on sale however till the PCB publicizes they’ve possession of the new-look stadiums, considerations will stay.

On Tuesday, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice resigned with a board member of the world physique indicating that his failure to present a transparent image of Pakistan’s preparedness was among the many causes for his departure.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is printed from a syndicated feed.)