PCB chairman attends Interschools Cricket Final in Karachi

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attended the PCB Interschools Cricket Final at Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana Cricket Stadium, highlighting major initiatives for cricket infrastructure and youth development in Pakistan.

Naqvi arrived from Islamabad via special aircraft, landing at PAF Faisal Base, with prior coordination from Karachi Airport and PAF authorities.

Interschools Cricket: Nurturing New Talent

At the ceremony, Naqvi distributed prizes to players of the winning interschool team and interacted with young cricketers. He emphasized that interschools cricket tournaments aim to identify and nurture new talent from across the country. He also announced plans for a special event involving all winning teams from the interschool competitions.

National Stadium Upgrade

The PCB chairman revealed that upgrade work at National Stadium Karachi will commence immediately after the Pakistan Super League concludes. The reconstruction aims to make Karachi’s stadium more impressive than Lahore’s cricket grounds.

Acknowledging long-standing issues with cricket infrastructure in Karachi, Naqvi assured that improved grounds will soon be announced across the country. He stated that once upgrades are completed, Karachi residents will return to stadiums in large numbers to enjoy live cricket.

Hosting the Women’s World Cup

Naqvi confirmed that efforts are ongoing to ensure Pakistan hosts the Women’s World Cup. He clarified that no formal discussions have yet occurred with the national team captain regarding the tournament.

He also reiterated the PCB’s firm stance on India, stating that any talks with the Indian cricket board will take place strictly on the basis of equality. He stressed that Pakistan will not compromise on its position while pursuing international engagements.