Karachi, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media in Karachi at the National Bank Stadium, unveiling a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure and talent development. Key announcements included upgrades to major stadiums in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy and extensive plans for domestic cricket expansion.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Naqvi shared details on the commitment to host the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, emphasizing upgrades at Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi venues to meet international standards. Discussions with international cricket figures, such as BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, were highlighted as fruitful, although specific details remained confidential.

On the domestic front, Naqvi revealed plans to substantially increase the number of domestic matches and foster young talent through collaborations with educational institutions. His vision extends to enhancing pitch quality at the National Cricket Academy by incorporating soils from different cricketing nations, aiming to prepare players for international conditions.

Furthermore, the PCB is finalizing plans for a Women’s T20 league, reflecting a broader commitment to developing all cricket sectors in Pakistan. The chairman also addressed policy on player participation in foreign leagues, emphasizing national commitment, and discussed the selection process for national team leadership, indicating a hands-off approach to allow the selection committee autonomy.

Naqvi’s comments on the T20 World Cup focused on effort and dignity over mere results, and he responded to questions about political expressions in stadiums and local engagement in Karachi, pointing to jurisdictional limits and planned stadium upgrades to boost attendance.