PCB hopeful about hosting at least one ICC event between 2024 and 2031 

The Board of Governors (BoG) was informed, today, that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted expression of interest for six ICC Events in the 2024-31 cycle. Of these six events, the PCB is keen to host the three-venue ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and 2029 on its own, while it has offered to host the remaining four events – two eight-venue ICC T2o World Cups 2026 and 2028, as well as the two 10-venue ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups 2027 and 2031 – in partnership with other Asian countries. 

The ICC’s evaluation committee will now examine and evaluate the PCB as well as other members’ expression of interests and revert with their decision, before the second phase of the event hosting process begins in September. The PCB remains hopeful that it will earn hosting rights of, at least, one event, which, in turn, will act as a great boost to Pakistan, which last staged an ICC event in 1996. 

The BoG was briefed on the engagement of Restrata and ESI, which will support the PCB in setting up bio-secure protocols and conduct security assessments, respectively during the 2021-22 season. Between September 2021 and March 2022, New Zealand, England, West Indies and Australia will tour Pakistan. The services of two leading companies will also be available for PSL 7. 

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The BoG noted with satisfaction that more than 93,000 cricketers from over 3,800 clubs have registered online and will now shortly go through the scrutiny and screening process before participation in grassroots cricket commences across the country. 

The BoG advised the PCB to hold quarterly meetings with the Chairs of the six Cricket Association First Boards to understand the progress they are making along with any challenges being faced and finding ways to further support and assist them in becoming self-reliant and autonomous. 

The PCB was updated on the workforce assessment, which is presently being carried out to make the organisation more cost-effective, while retaining its status and reputation as a highly professional, credible and efficient cricket board. 

The BoG also received comprehensive updates on governance, real estate, constitution and legal matters.