Amid reports suggesting the Champions Trophy might be moved from Pakistan due to stadium renovation delays, a PCB official expressed confidence in Pakistan hosting the ICC tournament.

Despite the mounting concerns, the PCB remains optimistic that the stadiums will be ready in time for the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan Cricket Board will likely include opener Saim Ayub in the initial squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy despite his injury concerns

Critical upgrades, including multi-story enclosures for dressing rooms and hospitality boxes, floodlight installations, seat arrangements, and fencing, are still incomplete

Fakhar Zaman is confident of returning to international cricket after eight months when Pakistan hosts the Champions Trophy next month.

Pakistan last hosted a major international tournament in the 1996 World Cup, and has already been dogged by problems to their stadiums. The ICC is also wary of the situation, hoping not to repeat the logistical disappointments faced in the USA during last year’s T20 World Cup.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is being played in a hybrid format, with India playing all its matches (knockout rounds included if it qualifies) in Dubai

The International Cricket Council is working towards finalising the practice facilities and the venues for the warm-up matches. The ICC delegation is keeping a close eye on the renovation work at the three venues in Pakistan.

The PCB has relocated its ODI tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa to Lahore and Karachi, as it readies the two venues to host the Champions Trophy from February 19. The four-match tri-series,