The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, culminating in the final on March 9. The prestigious tournament will feature eight teams battling across 15 matches. In Pakistan, games will be hosted at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, while India’s matches are scheduled to take place in Dubai.
Speculation has recently emerged about the possibility of the tournament being relocated from Pakistan due to delays in stadium renovations. However, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official assured that preparations are progressing as planned, with all work expected to be completed by the first week of February.
“Pakistan will successfully host the Champions Trophy. There is no need to believe rumours,” the official stated, emphasizing that detractors on social media are attempting to tarnish the nation’s image.
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Renovation work on the venues began in August last year and was initially set for completion by December 31. While delays have raised concerns, the PCB is confident that all stadiums will be ready for handover by February 12. Should the venues not meet this deadline, there is a contingency plan to shift the tournament to the UAE.
Champions Trophy: Pakistan board quashes rumours. All stadium work will be done by February first week, PCB official says. @gulf_news @TheRealPCB @ICC https://t.co/u9Zdl7TDrE
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) January 9, 2025
Despite these challenges, the PCB remains steadfast, committed to showcasing Pakistan as a world-class cricketing destination. Upgrades at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium include increasing its seating capacity to 35,000 and installing two giant digital replay screens by next week. New player and hospitality enclosures are also slated to be operational by January 25. Similarly, Karachi’s National Bank Stadium has added 5,000 new seats and constructed new enclosures for players and officials.
At Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium, renovations involve the installation of 10,000 new seats, with over 250 workers working tirelessly to meet the January 25 deadline. The PCB highlighted these upgrades as part of their broader goal to enhance the fan experience and reinforce Pakistan’s reputation as a premier cricketing venue.
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Meanwhile, the ODI tri-series, featuring South Africa and New Zealand, has been moved from Multan to Lahore and Karachi to align with advanced preparations at these key venues. This will mark Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC tournament since co-hosting the 1996 ODI World Cup, a monumental occasion reflecting the nation’s commitment to revitalizing its cricketing legacy.
