PCB completed the upgradation of Karachi and Lahore stadiums in time before the Champions Trophy.
Over the past month, the PCB received plenty of backlash regarding the timely overhaul of the venues, which will stage the Champions Trophy matches.
After a shift in venue for a Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi last year and the extension of the deadline for the completion of stadiums, there were concerns about whether the PCB could complete the renovation in time.
However, the board managed to ensure that the stadiums were ready in time to host the matches for the showpiece tournament.
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosted two ODIs ahead of the Champions Trophy, both from the ongoing tri-series featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand.
On Tuesday (February 11), the PCB unveiled the renovated National Stadium in Karachi, thus dismissing concerns over its readiness. The venue will be hosting the third game of the tri-series between Pakistan and South Africa on Wednesday.
"We win, you lose. This is for those who claimed on social media that we could not complete the construction of this stadium. If we failed to complete this, you would have won, and we were unsuccessful. However, by completing this [upgradation] project, we won, and you lose now," Naqvi said during the inauguration of the newly renovated Karachi Stadium, as quoted by Geo News.
The PCB chief also thanked the workers for their hard work, which was dedicated towards the timely completion of the stadiums. "I admit here that Karachi stadium would look more good than Lahore's Gaddafi stadium."
The newly constructed pavilion of the Karachi stadium features dressing rooms for players and match officials, complemented by hospitality rooms.
In addition to the new pavilion, several major upgrades have been completed at the venue to enhance both the playing and viewing experience.
(With ANI Inputs)