PCB Chief Mohsin Khan should be a relieved man with Pakistan finally hosting the Champions Trophy. The hosts kick off their campaign with the first match against Pakistan in Lahore. The much-awaited India-Pakistan match will be played in Dubai on March 23.
Barring the India matches all other matches of the Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan. The teams are divided into two groups. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand are placed in Group A. Australia, England, Afghanistan and South Africa are placed in Group B.
Meanwhile, Mohsin Khan has reportedly denied an offer to be seated in a VIP box worth $400,000 (INR 3.47 crore) at the Dubai stadium, where India will face Pakistan on February 23. He has instead chose to sit at the general enclosure and asked the PCB officials to sell the VIP tickets to generate revenue for the board.
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
Mohsin Naqvi Keen On Investing Revenue To Uplift Stadiums
According to a report in the Pakistani media, Naqvi was offered the VIP box in Dubai for himself, his family, and guests for the match between India and Pakistan, slated to be held on February 23. However, he chose to sell the tickets as he decided to watch the game from the stands to experience the atmosphere with the fans and how they back the Pakistan team on match days. It is also believed that he has already informed his decision to the Emirates Cricket Board. The report added that Naqvi will use the money and other seating receipts from the ICC to upgrade the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
This is the first time that Pakistan is hosting an ICC event in 29 years. The last time they hosted an ICC event was the 1996 ODI World Cup when they were the co-hosts alongside India and Sri Lanka. The nation has missed out on hosting ICC events in the past due to security concerns.
"We are seeing the preparations and the way it has been done, the way the Gaddafi Stadium has been built, the way the National Stadium has been built, it has been built in record time. We should praise these things and we should enjoy it - the way the Champions Trophy is going to be played here, we should all enjoy it" said Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan as he praised PCB's efforts to get things in order for the tournament to continue.
Not to forget, Pakistan are also the defending champions of the tournament having won the title back in 2017 by beating India in the final.
