The International Cricket Council (ICC) is alleged to be unhappy with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the world governing body may move the entire 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to the UAE as the renovation work at the three venues is not finished yet in Pakistan.
According to a report in Revsportz, renovation works at the host venues for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, specifically the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, are “in a delayed manner”. However, some insiders are playing down the situation, saying it's not a major cause for alarm.
PCB faces pressure to complete stadium renovations as ICC warns of possible relocation of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19 in Karachi, while the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the first match of the tournament between Australia and England on February 22. On the other hand, India will play its matches in Dubai, UAE, UAE.
Initially, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was given the deadline to complete the renovation work by 31 December, but the deadline was extended to 25 January. Now, a Revsportz report has claimed that the PCB has asked for a few more days, but they have assured the ICC that the Gaddafi Stadium would be ready by February 1.
As for the other two venues – the national stadium in Karachi and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi – things are looking better. Rawalpindi is almost done as Karachi puts the finishing touches on its preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Lahore remains the biggest concern for PCB and ICC
Lahore remains the biggest concern for both PCB and ICC, with the renovation work progressing at a rapid pace as workers work both day and night, but still requiring significant efforts to meet the deadline.
It is said that the Pakistan Cricket Board may not hand over the Gaddafi Stadium to the ICC until after the upcoming ODI series with Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa.
This ODI Tri series will begin on February 8 with the first two matches set in Lahore. Some insiders blame the delay on the 'Jugaad' culture as the work only started in earnest six months ago, despite the fact that the PCB had awarded it the hosting rights three years ago.
Also Read: India's Biggest Cricket Stadium? ACA set to build a massive site in Amaravati
Don't worry, it will be done: Rashid Latif
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has ensured that the renovation work in Rawalpindi and Karachi is complete. He also revealed that the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is being rebuilt from scratch, which is why it is taking longer.
Rashid Latif was quoted by the same website, “Fikr Nahi, Ho Jayega (don't worry, it will be done). Pindi Aur Karachi Toh Ho Gaya Hai. Aur Bol Toh Raha Hai Lahore Bhi February 1 Tak Ho Jayega (Pindi and Karachi are already done). According to them (PCB), the work in Lahore will be complete by February. They are actually rebuilding the Gaddafi stadium from scratch. That's why it takes so long. “
In particular, the redevelopment work at the Gaddafi Stadium is progressing quickly, but foggy weather has been a major delay and only half of the seats have been installed in Lahore.
The Pakistan Board spent 12 billion Pakistani rupees to renovate three stadiums but failed to provide a clear explanation behind the delay as the ICC supports the country with some leeway.