ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will upgrade three major cricket venues in the country before hosting a major international tournament next year, said its top official on Wednesday after a meeting with an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation in Lahore.

Pakistan is making preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, an important international cricket tournament, often referred to as the mini-World Cup. The competition involves the top eight one-day international (ODI) teams from around the world, offering a shorter, more intense series of matches compared to the Cricket World Cup.

Originally held every two years, the ICC Champions Trophy shifted to a four-year cycle from 2009, aligning with the World Cup schedule.

“Pakistan is set to host an ICC Tournament which is an absolute pleasure and a welcome development not just for the board but also for the fans across the country who are an important stakeholder in this sport,” PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said. “The PCB will arrange top-notch facilities as per the stature of this historic tournament.”

“I am delighted to announce that the PCB will upgrade the three major venues in the country well in time before the start of ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” he added. “The PCB will leave no stone unturned in making this a very successful and memorable tournament.”

Naqvi met the ICC delegation visiting the country to inspect venues and facilities for the tournament.

Cricket is the most popular sport in the country, with roots stretching back to the colonial era, and has become a part of daily life for many Pakistanis. Cricket matches, especially those involving the country’s national team, draw immense attention and passion from the public.

Many of the top Pakistani players in the past have become national icons, inspiring generations of players and fans alike. The sport’s significance is also reflected in its vast sponsorship and commercial support, making it a lucrative sector within Pakistan’s economy.