 "Champions Trophy 2025: Amid reports of delay in renovation work, Pakistan says Karachi, Lahore stadiums nearing completion")
In an attempt to allay the fears surrounding the delay in renovation work of the Champions Trophy 2025 venues in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday decided to host an upcoming ODI tri-series in Karachi and Lahore. The tri-series involving Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, is seen as a curtain raiser for the Champions Trophy 2025 and was initially scheduled to be hosted in Multan from 8 February while the ICC event starts on the 19th of next month.
By moving the matches to Karachi and Lahore, two of the three venues for the Champions Trophy, PCB wants to underline its preparedness for the ICC tournament amid reports that renovation work at the stadium is far from finished despite the reported deadline being 31 December.
Apart from India’s matches which will be held in Dubai under the hybrid model , Karachi’s National Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be hosting the Champion Trophy 2025 matches in Pakistan. As per a report in the Times of India, the renovation work in all three stadiums still has some distance to go with things like fencing work, floodlight placement, and finishing new multi-storied enclosures, which will include dressing rooms, being incomplete.
Also Read | CT 2025: India’s full schedule, match timings in IST and LIVE streaming details
The report also stated that if renovation work is not completed in an acceptable time, then shifting the entire tournament to the UAE is also an option.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsRenovation work at Karachi and Lahore in ‘advanced stage’
The PCB, however, has put up a brave face, saying that the renovation work at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi would finish soon.
“Given the advanced stage of preparations at the Gaddafi Stadium and the National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to relocate the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues.
“The series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa alongside Pakistan, was originally scheduled to be held in Multan,” the PCB said in a statement.
“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,” the PCB added.
The PCB also provided detailed information on renovation work undertaken at the three venues.
Upgrades at Gaddafi Stadium
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
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.
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