Champions Trophy: ICC officials review Pakistan's preparations

A delegation from the game's global body is visiting the troubled country to check renovation work

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Amid concerns over Pakistan's readiness in completing the renovation work of the stadiums in time for the upcoming Champions Trophy, a five-member ICC delegation visited the country on Thursday to take stock of preparations for the marquee tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy, set to run from 19 February to 9 March, will be played across three venues in the country – Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, besides matches in Dubai where India's fixtures will be hosted as per a pre-agreed hybrid arrangement.

However, with reports emerging of a delay in completing the construction and renovation work of the stadiums, and subsequently the Pakistan Cricket Board refuting those as 'rumours', the ICC delegation dropped in on Thursday to ensure that all necessary facilities are in place for the tournament.

The delegation was welcomed by Usman Wahla, PCB's director of international cricket, who apprised the officials of the works going on at the National Stadium in Karachi.