Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi confirmed on Friday that the selection committee has been reviewing the squad for the Champions Trophy.
Naqvi emphasized that the committee holds full authority to make necessary changes to the squad. “Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf were included with sincerity,” he said.
He also revealed plans for a major reconstruction of the National Cricket Academy, which will involve demolishing and redesigning the current structure after the Champions Trophy. “The National Cricket Academy will be redesigned,” Naqvi said.
The PCB chairman confirmed a financial agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding match passes. “A deal has been finalized for match passes, and the agreed amount will be received,” he added.
He also affirmed that the ICC’s official event on February 16 will feature representatives from multiple nations.
Separately, Naqvi attended a special luncheon in Lahore to honor over 1,500 workers who completed the renovation of the Gaddafi Stadium in record time.
He personally visited the workers and shared a meal with them. “You are the heroes of the nation, and you all deserve congratulations,” he said.
The workers expressed their appreciation for Naqvi’s recognition. “Naqvi Sahib, you’ve done an exceptional job,” they remarked.
Having worked at the stadium for three months, the workers expressed their joy at the completed transformation. “Seeing the stadium completed has brought immense happiness,” they said.
During the luncheon, the workers enjoyed a meal that included mutton korma, chicken roast, beef pulao, and freshly baked naan, along with zarda, raita, fresh salad, mineral water, soft drinks, and Kashmiri tea. One worker commented, “We are having lunch with our ‘tools’ by our side.”
