LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday appointed its chief operating officer Sumair Ahmed Syed as the tournament director of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be hosted by the country early next year.

Sumair, a former Punjab government official, had replaced Salman Naseer as the PCB’s COO on November 9, before he was handed the duties to look after the organisation of the Champions Trophy, set to be held from February 19 to March 9.

The appointment comes at a time when the tournament’s fate is hanging in balance with India — one of the eight participating sides — having refused to cross the border for it.

After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) verbally of their decision citing disapproval of the country’s government, efforts are being made by the stakeholders to ensure the Champions Trophy is held as planned initially.

Reports suggest a hybrid model — which would see India playing their matches at a neutral venue while the remaining games are held in Pakistan — is being sought as a viable solution.

The PCB and the Pakistan government, how­ever, has ruled the model out as one of the options, with Sumair’s appointment as the tournament director reiterating their apparent resolve to hold the Champions Trophy entirely within the country.

“Sumair is an exceptionally organised professional with a wealth of administrative expertise,” the PCB quoted its chairman Mohsin Naqvi as saying in a statement on Thursday.

“Coupled with his unwavering passion for cricket, I am confident he will deliver an unforgettable ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for players, officials and fans alike.

“The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events, welcoming players and fans from around the globe to experience the country’s passion for the game and renowned hospitality.”

Published in Dawn, November 22th, 2024