Just 20 Days Left, But Preparations Remain Incomplete
With only 20 days remaining before the Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off, Pakistan’s lack of preparation has raised serious concerns. Despite being the official host, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has failed to complete stadium renovations and is yet to announce its squad, making it the only team yet to do so.
According to ICC regulations, teams must finalize and announce their squads at least one month before the tournament. However, while seven out of eight participating teams have submitted their final squads, Pakistan continues to lag behind.
ICC Funded $70 Million, Yet Stadiums Remain Unfinished
The International Cricket Council (ICC) allocated $70 million to Pakistan for stadium refurbishments, yet no venue is match-ready. Reports suggest that PCB has requested an extension until February 5 to complete preparations at Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore stadiums. However, if the board fails to meet this new deadline, the entire Champions Trophy could be shifted out of Pakistan.
Adding to Pakistan’s woes, India has already refused to travel due to political tensions, leading to a hybrid model where India will play all its matches in Dubai. If stadium readiness issues persist, the entire tournament could be relocated to the UAE.
Why Has Pakistan Not Announced Its Squad Yet?
Reports from Cricket Pakistan indicate that PCB is delaying its squad announcement due to uncertainty over Saim Ayub’s fitness. The board is providing Ayub with every possible opportunity to prove his fitness before early February. If he fails to recover, Shan Masood is expected to replace him, while Fakhar Zaman could also make a return to the squad.
According to PCB insiders, the final Champions Trophy squad and the squad for the Tri-Nation ODI series will likely be announced in the first three days of February.
Pakistan to Play Tri-Nation Series Before Champions Trophy
Before the Champions Trophy, Pakistan is set to play a Tri-Nation ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand, starting February 8. This tournament could serve as a final testing ground before the main event.
However, with unfinished stadiums, uncertainty over squad selection, and potential tournament relocation, Pakistan’s hosting of the Champions Trophy is increasingly looking like a logistical disaster.
Will PCB meet its February 5 deadline, or will the ICC be forced to shift the tournament out of Pakistan? The next few days will be crucial in determining the fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
