PCB to submit expression of interest in hosting six ICC events between 2024 and 2031

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is interested in hosting as many as six ICC events from 2024 to 2031. The country last hosted a world event (50/20 over World Cup, Champions Trophy) way back in 1996. It was also set co-host the 2011 World Cup with India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. But the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009 led to no country touring Pakistan to play cricket for almost a decade.

Though things are improving over the last few years and several teams have already toured safely. England is set to tour in October later this year and even the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is being regularly played in its home country. PCB is more confident than ever now to host several countries together in a world event.

The decision to express the interest was taken after the Board of Governors met on Thursday. PCB wants to host the Champions Trophy to be played in 2025 and 2029 and the T20 World Cup in 2026 and 2028. Pakistan is also ready to collaborate with other Asian countries in order to host the 50-over World Cup in 2027 and 2031.

“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,” PCB said in a statement according to Cricbuzz.

ICC laid out plans in June

ICC laid out its detailed plans to organize a world event every year in the new cycle from 2024 to 2031. The world cricketing body also increased the number of teams to 14 in the 50-over World Cup while the T20 World Cup will see as many as 20 countries fighting it out for the glory. The hosts for the Men’s events are set to be finalized in September this year.