ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan on ticking time bomb as ICC delegation closely monitors stadium construction
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is closely monitoring the construction of three venues for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place in February and March. International Cricket Council delegations have expressed no concerns about the progress of the stadium construction.
Pakistan will be hosting the prestigious white-ball tournament for the first time since co-hosting the 1996 ODI World Cup. However, it has been reported that the three venues designated for the Champions Trophy are still under construction and upgrades, despite only about a month remaining until the event kicks off.
PCB assures fans, spectators and media ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host the matches. These halls must be fully completed and handed over to the ICC by February 12, 2025. However, the construction and upgrades, which began in August 2024, are facing delays.
On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board shared an update on the progress of renovations at the three venues. The announcement came amid reports suggesting the cricket board was struggling to complete the renovations on time, raising concerns about meeting the timetable.
The PCB has “assured fans, spectators and the media that all upgrade works are progressing as per schedule and will be completed on or around the set deadlines”.
The ICC is closely monitoring the construction of all three sites
The ICC is closely monitoring the progress of the construction of the three venues for the Champions Trophy. According to a report by Sports Tak, ICC delegations have not expressed any concerns so far.
“The ICC is closely monitoring the construction of all three stadiums. So far there have been no concerns from ICC delegations. Contingency plans are always available for tournaments like these, but they will not be needed,” a source close to the development told Sport Tak.
The teams are expected in Pakistan from February 12
The responsibility for pitch preparation, including pitches, rests with the host, but the ICC pitch manager oversees the work if necessary. Pakistan has set a new deadline for the completion of construction on January 25, which was originally December 31. The ICC support period is scheduled to begin on January 12.
The teams are expected to arrive in Pakistan from February 12 for the Champions Trophy. New Zealand is likely to be the first team to play in the mega tournament opener. Bangladesh along with Team India will travel to Dubai, UAE for their first match on February 20.
Team India will play a practice match in Dubai, although the date and opponent are yet to be confirmed. Dubai is the neutral venue of the hybrid model tournament, where all the Indian matches and one semi-final will be played.
Gaddafi Stadium will host both the second semi-final and the final. If India qualify for the Champions Trophy final, it will be played in Dubai.
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