On Wednesday, January 08, the Pakistan Cricket Board provided updates regarding the renovation projects at three venues selected to host the Champions Trophy matches in February-March. The timing of PCB’s announcement is significant since media reports on Wednesday morning suggested that the board was having difficulties finishing the renovation work on schedule.
The PCB “guaranteed the fans, audience, and press that all upgrading efforts were on track and would finish before or near the established deadlines.” Significantly, a news article suggested that there had been a conversation regarding relocating the entire Champions Trophy from Pakistan to the UAE. Dubai will host India’s matches and a semi-final, as the PCB and ICC reached a hybrid model agreement after India declined to travel over the border to play in Pakistan.
The Pakistan board announced that the refurbishment at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi is almost finalized. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been selected as venues for the Champions Trophy matches taking place from February 19 to March 9.
The second semi-final and the final are scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. If India qualifies, the final will be relocated to Dubai.
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“The PCB is completely dedicated to making sure that all venues are prepared to hold the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and additional international games. Employing more than 250 staff working around the clock to meet the 25 January deadline, the PCB is optimistic that the enhancements will improve the fan experience and maintain Pakistan’s standing as a leading cricketing venue,” it stated.
