Champions Trophy: Pakistan dismisses stadium concerns, says preparations on track

Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Cricket Board rubbished rumours of under-prepared stadiums, asserting that renovation work at all three venues -- Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi -- will be completed on time. Three venues in Pakistan and Dubai will host the premier 50-over tournament, starting February 19.

In Short

• Pakistan refutes rumours of delay in renovation work of three stadiums
• Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi is set to host the Pakistan leg of the tournament
• PCB also shifted a tri-series from Multan to Lahore and Karachi to indicate readiness

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday, January 08, shared updates about the renovation work of stadiums at three venues chosen to host the Champions Trophy matches in February-March. The timing of PCB's statement is notable as media reports, on Wednesday morning, claimed the board was struggling to complete renovation work on time.

The PCB "assured the fans, spectators and media that all upgradation work was progressing on schedule and will be completed before or around the set deadlines". Notably, a media report claimed that a discussion about shifting the entire Champions Trophy from Pakistan to the UAE had taken place. Dubai is set to host India's matches and a semi-final as the PCB and the ICC agreed to a hybrid model after India refused to travel across the border and play their games in Pakistan.

Full Schedule: Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan board said the renovation work at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi is nearing completion. Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi have been chosen to host the Champions Trophy matches from February 19 to March 9.

The second semi-final and the final is scheduled to be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The final will be moved to Dubai if India qualify.

"The PCB is fully committed to ensuring that all venues are ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other international matches. With over 250 workers labouring day and night to meet the 25 January deadline, the PCB is confident that the upgrades will elevate the fan experience and uphold Pakistan’s reputation as a premier cricketing destination," it said.

STATEMENT OF INTENT: TRI-SERIES MOVED TO KARACHI AND LAHORE

Furthermore, the PCB decided to move four matches of a tri-series, involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa, in the second week of February from Multan to Lahore and Karachi to indicate the venues' readiness to host Champions Trophy matches.

"This decision reflects the PCB’s confidence in the readiness of these upgraded venues and their ability to deliver a world-class experience for players, officials, and fans alike. Further details regarding the series will be shared in due course," the PCB said in a statement.

PCB had allocated 17 billion rupees for upgrading its stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is the first major cricket tournament hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.

The PCB gave a detailed account of the renovation status of each of the three stadiums.

Upgrades at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

The spectator capacity at Gaddafi Stadium has been increased to 35,000, with new chairs installed throughout the venue. Additionally, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for fans worldwide. To further elevate the spectator experience, two giant digital replay screens - measuring 80 feet x 30 feet and 22 feet x 35 feet - will be installed next week. The stadium is set to be inaugurated in the last week of January.

A brand-new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure has also been created, which will be operational by 25 January. The iconic stadium is set to provide an unparalleled experience for all stakeholders.

Upgrades at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

At the National Bank Stadium, significant enhancements have been made, including the creation of a new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure at the University End.

To improve broadcast coverage, 350 LED lights have been installed, ensuring optimal visibility for global audiences. Two digital replay screens have already been fixed, and 5,000 new chairs have been installed to enhance spectator comfort.

Upgrades at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is undergoing minor touch-ups, focusing on the installation of 10,000 new chairs, upgrades to hospitality boxes and the installation of two digital replay screens. These improvements are designed to ensure the stadium exceeds international standards for upcoming events.