The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the three venues for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be fully ready by the end of January. The renovations of these halls are nearing completion and the PCB has confirmed that the stadiums will be ready in time for the 50-over tournament.
Pakistan is scheduled to host the Champions Trophy in February and March. It is the first global tournament held in the country in 28 years. National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host the matches. However, the Indian team will play all the matches in Dubai.
The venues in Pakistan for the tournament are currently being renovated. These upgrades began in August 2024, with an initial goal of completion by December 31. All these venues must be ready for the tournament and submitted to the International Cricket Council by February 12.
The PCB guarantees that the Champions Trophy stadiums will be ready by the end of January
The PCB has confirmed that the renovation and upgrade of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is on track, 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). It is expected that the hall will be handed over to us by the end of the month,” Sami Ul Hasan said, as reported by Dawn.
“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 Champions Trophy in Pakistan will be the country’s first global cricket event in 28 years. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has undergone significant upgrades, including expanded seating for 35,000 spectators and newly constructed catering facilities.
Renovations at the Karachi National Stadium are expected to be completed by January 30. The stands for spectators 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, along with 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 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 a knockout match in Lahore on March 5.
