The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was meant to be a grand spectacle for Pakistan, marking the nation’s return as a major tournament host after more than three decades. However, both on and off the field, the event has turned into a disappointment. While Pakistan’s national team crashed out in the group stage, the much-hyped stadium renovations have been exposed as inadequate, drawing widespread criticism.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had invested millions into upgrading Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The renovations included new floodlights, LED towers, hospitality boxes, and electronic scoreboards. However, viral videos circulating on social media have painted a grim picture of the actual conditions.
Reports of poor security, substandard drainage systems, and inadequate facilities have left both fans and experts questioning PCB’s planning and execution. One of the most embarrassing moments for the PCB came when a video from Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium went viral, showing heavy water leakage inside the washroom area after a short spell of rain.
WATCH – Glenn Phillips Shocks Virat Kohli With His Flying Catch
The supposed state-of-the-art infrastructure was exposed as faulty, with water dripping from the ceilings and pipes. Pakistani fans were quick to criticize PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, blaming the board for its mismanagement. The situation turned even worse when a crucial group match between Afghanistan and Australia had to be abandoned due to severe waterlogging at the same venue.
لاہور کا قذافی اسٹیڈیم ایک ہی بارش میں ٹپک پڑا۔۔۔!!! pic.twitter.com/MuIcB6oxDZ
— Mughees Ali (@mugheesali81) March 1, 2025
Despite only 30 minutes of rain during Australia’s chase, the poor drainage system failed to clear the water, leaving the surface unplayable. Ground staff used mops and sponges in a desperate attempt to dry the field, but after an hour of waiting, the match was called off, leaving both teams with a shared point.
ALSO READ: India-New Zealand clash “could be a contest of spin”, says Ryan ten Doeschate
Adding to the controversy, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium also witnessed two abandoned matches—Australia vs. South Africa on February 25 and Bangladesh vs. Pakistan on February 27—both without a ball being bowled due to bad weather. The PCB has since announced a full ticket refund for fans affected by these washouts.
For a tournament that was supposed to mark Pakistan’s grand return to hosting global cricket, the Champions Trophy 2025 has instead highlighted major shortcomings, leaving fans frustrated and PCB red-faced.
