The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation has arrived in Pakistan to review preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The five-member team conducted a detailed inspection of the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Thursday morning.
The delegation assessed the ongoing construction and renovation work at the venue. PCB officials and representatives from the construction company briefed the delegation on the progress and timeline of the ongoing projects. Arshad Khan, the General Manager of the stadium, was also present during the visit.
The ICC delegation toured the under-construction five-story building, inspecting various sections. They also visited the main building of the stadium, including the media center, where they evaluated the facilities and toured the media gallery. The delegation reviewed the conference hall amenities and examined the records displayed on the walls, taking a keen interest and capturing photographs.
In addition, the delegation inspected the old building's dressing rooms, the Chairman's Box, and the PCB Gallery, taking notes and photographs throughout their visit.
The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled for February 19 at the National Bank Stadium, with the first match to be played the same day between Pakistan and New Zealand. The stadium will host three matches during the tournament.
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, the venue will also host a tri-nation ODI series. The match match between Pakistan and South Africa is set for February 12, with the final scheduled for February 14.
This visit marks the fourth ICC delegation to Pakistan in preparation for the Champions Trophy. Previously, ICC Security Head David Mascro led the initial visit. Subsequent visits included Senior Manager Event Operations Sarah Edgar and Manager Aun Zaidi, while the third visit was conducted by Aun Zaidi and broadcast overseer Mansoor Manch.
PCB announces revised pick order for PSL 10 player draft
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a revised pick order for the highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 Player Draft. The changes include a reduction in player draft categories to streamline the selection process.
In the revised format, the Platinum categories have been reduced from three to two, while the Diamond categories now feature a single category instead of three. Similarly, the Gold categories have been trimmed from three to two, and the Silver categories have been cut down from five to three, allowing for a more strategic drafting process.
As per the revised order, Lahore Qalandars will make the first pick in the Platinum 1 category, followed by Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans, and Islamabad United. In the Platinum 2 category, Quetta Gladiators will have the first pick, with Karachi Kings once again following.
The PCB has also announced a change in the draft schedule. Initially planned to take place in Gwadar, the event has been rescheduled to 13 January at Huzoori Bagh, located within the historic Lahore Fort. The change in venue was necessitated by unforeseen logistical challenges. However, Gwadar will still play a significant role in the PSL 10 Trophy Tour, set to begin in March.
PSL 10, a milestone season for the league, is scheduled to be held from 8 April to 19 May this year. The six franchises will gather at Lahore's iconic heritage site to assemble their squads during the Player Draft ceremony on 13 January.
Injured Saim goes through first check-up in London
Pakistan's opening batter Saim Ayub has completed his initial medical check-up in London. The examination was conducted by renowned ankle specialist Dr. Lucky Jayaselan, who evaluated the cricketer's condition.
Another check-up is scheduled for today as part of the ongoing assessment of Saim's injury.
The left-hander sustained an ankle injury during the Cape Town Test against South Africa. Preliminary reports indicate that he has suffered a fracture in his ankle.
