LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation, which came to Pakistan to inspect the arrangements being made for next year’s Champions Trophy, completed its tour by visiting the Gaddafi Stadium here on Saturday.

The officials of the delegation, who held meetings with the heads of different departments of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), were scheduled to leave for the UAE late on Saturday, a PCB official said.

“The delegation handed over its wish-list to the heads of the departments of the PCB about the preparations for the Champions Trophy while the PCB officials also briefed the delegation about the steps being taken to make the event successful,” the official further said.

The ICC delegation on Saturday visited the construction area of the Gaddafi Stadium and hoped that the refurbishment work would be completed well within the deadline of Dec 31.

The delegation during its tour of Pakistan had also visited the venues of Karachi (National Bank Stadium) and Rawalpindi (Pindi Cricket Stadium) – where the uplift work continues -- to inspect the arrangements being made for hosting the Champions Trophy matches in these cities.

While the participation of Indian cricket team in the Champions Trophy continues to remain uncertain owing to New Delhi’s refusal to play bilateral series with Pakistan, the ICC has opted to stay tight lipped over the contentious subject.

On the other hand, the ICC approved the Champions Trophy budget in collaboration with the PCB under the supervision of J. Shah’s finance committee. Shah, who is BCCI secretary, was also elected as ICC chairman unopposed, recently.

“The approval to the Champions Trophy budget under Shah’s committee is a sign that things are moving smoothly regarding the visit of the Indian team [for the Champions Trophy],” the PCB official stated.

“England, West Indies and New Zealand teams are going to come to Pakistan [for a tri-series] before the Champions Trophy, terming their visit part of their preparations’ programme for the said ICC event. The PCB hopes to host to make the ICC Champions Trophy a successful event,” the official added.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2024