Amid growing concerns about the preparation of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venues in the country, the PCB has announced that the renowned Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be handed over to the ICC on February 11, a little over a week before the start of the ODI series.
The ICC had set January 31 as the date for the handover of all three stadiums: Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), National Stadium (Karachi), and Rawalpindi.
According to a Board source, the stadium will be handed over to the International Cricket Council (ICC) "for branding and other stuff on February 11" following Pakistan's tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.
On Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued an update on the reconstruction work at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore via social media, ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament.
PCB posted a video of the new-look stadium on ‘X’ and wrote, “Under the lights, it’s a sight to behold!…We can’t wait to welcome fans, officials, and teams for the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy."
The source added that “final touches" were being given to the Gaddafi Stadium.
“…this has been a construction site and there will be some rubble, which will be removed shortly. This stadium has taken shape after six months of work," said the source to PTI.
The eight-team Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19, is being staged in Pakistan, but India will play all of its matches in Dubai due to security concerns.
The PCB has also stated that the National Stadium in Karachi will be ready on time. The arena will host the event's opening match on February 19, between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The PCB has invested approximately PKR 12 billion in the refurbishment, building, and equipment installation at all three sites. Tickets have already gone on sale, but until the PCB acknowledges that they have control of the new-look stadiums, worries will persist.
On Tuesday, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice quit after the governing body's board voiced disappointment with his failure to provide a comprehensive picture of Pakistan's preparations for the event.
(PTI inputs)
