The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given a major update on the preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 which will take place in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19. PCB’s update on the venues came after a report claimed that the venues in Pakistan which will be supposed to host the tournament are not yet ready and there are chances that the venue for the marquee event will be shifted to Dubai.
PCB shared a release where they ensured that the Pakistan venues for the Champions Trophy 2025 will be ready before the deadline which is January 25.
“PCB assured the fans, spectators and media that all upgradation work was progressing on schedule and will be completed before or around the set deadlines” said PCB in a release.
“Given the advanced stage of preparations at Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to relocate the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues” said PCB in a release.
The tri-nation series was supposed to take place in Multan.
Upgrades at Gaddafi Stadium
Capacity at Gaddafi Stadium has been increased to 35,000, with new chairs installed throughout the venue. They have added 480 state-of-the-art LED lights to enhance broadcast LUX levels and the venue will be operational from 25 January.
National Stadium Karachi
PCB have installed 350 LED lights to improve the broadcast coverage ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. They have also fixed the replay screen including 5,000 new chairs.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
The PCB has installed 10,000 new chairs for the marquee event including upgrades to hospitality boxes and the installation of two digital replay screens.
The release further stated that PCB curators, under the supervision of Tony Hemming, have diligently maintained the outfields and playing surfaces to keep them protected, healthy and fresh. To prioritise these efforts, no competitive cricket has been played in Lahore and Karachi since the commencement of the upgrades, while Rawalpindi last hosted a match late last year.
Pakistan’s Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi are supposed to host three group stage matches each with semifinal 2 taking place in Lahore. The venue for the final of the marquee event depends on India’s chances of qualification. If India qualifies for the final then the title decider will take place in Dubai otherwise Lahore will be the venue
See insights and ads
