Ahead of the inauguration of the newly-renovated National Bank Stadium, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday congratulated everyone on the successful upgradation of Karachi and Lahore stadiums in a record time in response to propaganda on social media ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
“We win, you lose,” said Naqvi, hitting back at social media trolls claiming that the PCB would not be able to complete the revamp of the stadiums before the much-awaited Champions Trophy event in the country.
“This is for those who claimed on social media that we could not complete the construction of this stadium. If we failed to complete this, you would have won and we were unsuccessful. However, by completing this [upgradation] project, we won and you lose now.”
He was addressing a reception in honour of labourers who participated in the renovation work at the Karachi stadium.
The PCB chief also thanked journalists who frequently visited the stadium during the renovation work and dispelled the negative propaganda against the cricket board.
He thanked contractors and labourers for working tirelessly to timely complete the work in a record time of less than four months. “I admit here that Karachi stadium would look more good than Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium.”
Naqvi said that labourers were real heroes for this achievement who worked 16 to 18 hours a day without getting a single leave.
During the event, the PCB chief expressed full confidence in the national team and selectors. He also appealed to the nation not to get disappointed with the team after some defeats.
He asked Karachiites to join the celebrations today at the inauguration ceremony of the modernised stadium with world-class facilities.
Pakistan has successfully completed renovation of Karachi and Lahore cricket stadiums before hosting the international matches of the Tri-Nation Series and the Champions Trophy.
