The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured that the three venues for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be fully ready by the end of January. Renovations at these venues are nearing completion and the PCB has confirmed that the stadiums will be ready in time for the 50-over tournament.
Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy in February and March. It is the first global tournament organized in the country in the last 28 years. National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host matches. However, the Indian team will play all their matches in Dubai.
Pakistan's venues for the tournament are currently undergoing renovation. These upgrades began in August 2024, with the initial goal of completing them by December 31. All these venues must be ready for the tournament and handed over to the International Cricket Council by February 12.
PCB assures that Champions Trophy stadiums will be ready by the end of January
The PCB has confirmed that the renovation and upgrade of Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium is underway, with the venue expected to be handed over by the end of the month. PCB spokesperson Sami Ul Hasan expressed confidence in the stadium's readiness to host the Champions Trophy.
“We are on schedule to complete the renovation and upgrade of the Gaddafi Stadium (in Lahore). The location is expected to be handed over to us by the end of the month,” Dawn quoted Sami Ul Hasan as saying.
“We have no doubts about the operational readiness of Gaddafi Stadium to host the Champions Trophy match between Australia and England on February 22.”
The Champions Trophy will be Pakistan's first global cricket event in 28 years
The eight-team Pakistan Champions Trophy will be the country's first global cricket event in 28 years. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium has undergone significant improvements, including expanded seating to accommodate 35,000 spectators and newly constructed hospitality areas.
Renovations at the National Stadium in Karachi are expected to be completed by January 30. The stands remain unchanged, but a new structure is being built at the University Road end. The stadium is also getting new digital screens and will host three Champions Trophy matches.
Pakistan will begin their campaign against New Zealand in Karachi
India and Pakistan have been placed in Group A for the Champions Trophy alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand. Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan are placed in Group B. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with the final taking place on March 9.
Pakistan will begin their campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. Their second match will be against India in Dubai on February 23, followed by a match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27. If they reach the semi-finals, Pakistan will play the knockout match in Lahore on March 5.