The president of the Cricket Board of Pakistan (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, said Tuesday that Pakistan was “fully prepared” for the ICC champions trophy (International Cricket Council) on the eve of the tournament.
Pakistan hosts enter the Tournament of February 19, March 9 as defenders after the ICC had decided to eliminate the tournament before finding a space for the calendar.
The Champions Trophy is a short form of the Classic 50-Over Cricket World Cup, with the eight best teams in the world. Its format is Cashroat, with the teams divided into groups of four each. The single league format means that losing even a game can put a team in trouble, which makes each accessory crucial.
A statement issued by the PCB today cited NAQVI saying: “Pakistan is fully prepared for the Champions Trophy.”
He said that international standard facilities would be provided to all teams, and added that all possible facilities would be available to fans.
“The organization of the CPI tournament in Pakistan, after 29 years, is a matter of pride,” said Naqvi saying, adding that the Board would raise the honor of the country by guaranteeing a great and successful tournament.
The press release said that the first game between New Zealand and Pakistan tomorrow would have President Asif Ali Zardari as the main guest.
“The Pakistan Air Force will present a spectacular aerial exhibition,” he said.
Stadium reconstruction
The reconstruction of three stages, in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, which began on October 10 of last year, looked in danger at the same time while the board tried to finish the preparations for the Champions Trophy.
The Gaddafi stadium, also the headquarters of the PCB, will be the host of the Champions Trophy since the ICC had cleared the three places (National Stadium, Karachi, Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi and Gaddafi Stadium) to organize the matches, but the PCB encouraged a huge a huge amount of RS12.80 billion to renew the Three stadiums.
Although the Gaddafi stadium and the reconstruction of the National Bank stadium were completed, the reconstruction of the Rawalpindi stadium will be completed after the Champions Trophy concludes.
