"PCB Chief Naqvi Confirms England Test Series to be Held in Pakistan"
1. Cricket governing body chairman says PCB in contact with England and “there are no issues”
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Saturday that the upcoming three-match Test series against England will be played in Pakistan, dismissing any concerns about venue availability.
"No Tests will be played outside the country. Multan and Rawalpindi are the confirmed venues," Naqvi stated during a visit to oversee renovations at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Recent reports had suggested the schedule might change due to ongoing construction at major stadiums, with speculation that the Karachi Test could be relocated to the UAE. However, Naqvi clarified that the series, scheduled for Multan (Oct 7-11), Karachi (Oct 15-19), and Rawalpindi (Oct 24-28), will proceed as planned.
England coach Brendon McCullum had previously expressed uncertainty about the venues, but Naqvi assured that discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are ongoing and "there are no issues."
Regarding potential changes in the Pakistan team’s captaincy, Naqvi indicated that decisions will be made by the coaches and selectors. "I have left these matters to them," he said. A workshop scheduled for September 22 will include input from various stakeholders to finalize decisions.
Naqvi also addressed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, despite uncertainty over India’s participation. He mentioned ongoing discussions with BCCI Secretary about the tournament.
Lastly, Naqvi commented on the appointment of Jay Shah as ICC Chairman, noting that there are no concerns, and mentioned that Salman Nasir will attend the upcoming Asian Cricket Council meeting in his place.
