PCB bans media from visiting Lahore & Karachi Stadiums earlier than ICC Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a strong decision. The apex board for cricket in Pakistan has banned the entry of digital and mainstream media at the stadiums of Lahore and Karachi. This is mainly due to the leaks of delayed stadium construction that are being disclosed to the public.

The PCB was slated to finish all the construction work by 31st December. However, the construction hit a snag for multiple reasons. It was also reported that if PCB is unable to finish the required work in time, then the entire tournament will be shifted to Dubai.

With just a month remaining before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy, the PCB is cutting no corners to finish the construction work. And now a new mandate has been applied. Media will only be allowed to take a tour of the stadiums on the mentioned dates. They will allowed to make videos but only in the presence of the PCB representatives.

“It has become irritating for us the way some people are constantly going to the stadiums without permission, filming or talking about minor issues of construction work, and presenting their views on preparations for the mega event,” an insider on the board said.

The insider revealed that the conflicting reports emerging in the media are one of the main reasons for issuing this mandate. It is believed that the media is constantly publishing pictures and videos of the construction of the stadiums. This in turn has an adverse effect in making the general public believe that the tournament can’t take place in the country.

Both the stadiums are stated to host some important games of the tournament, Furthermore, the opening match of the tournament which will see Pakistan playing against New Zealand will be held at Karachi on 19th February.