Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has opted to watch the Champions Trophy match against India from the regular stands after selling the 30-seat VIP Hospitality Box allocated to him for approximately 400,000 dirhams (INR 94 lakh). The proceeds from the sale have been directed into the PCB’s funds.
Naqvi was initially offered premium seating for himself, his family, and guests for the matches in Dubai. However, he chose to forgo the luxury experience and instead immerse himself in the electrifying atmosphere of the stadium alongside the fans.
Naqvi also revealed that the PCB plans to fund the estimated 18 billion rupees required for upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi through gate receipts and other revenues from the ICC.
India's record against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy
Pakistan holds the upper hand against India in Champions Trophy encounters, having won three out of their five meetings. One of those victories came in the 2017 final at The Oval, where Pakistan secured their maiden title with a dominant 180-run win over India.
In overall ODI head-to-head records, Pakistan leads with 73 wins compared to India’s 57. However, when it comes to multi-nation tournaments in the format, India has the advantage, boasting an 18-8 record. While the 2017 Champions Trophy final marked India’s last ODI loss to Pakistan, the Men in Blue have since won five consecutive encounters, including a commanding 117-run victory in Ahmedabad during the 2023 World Cup.
The Champions Trophy, marking Pakistan’s first major global cricket tournament in nearly three decades, is set to commence on February 19 in Karachi.
(With PTI Inputs)
