LAHORE: As Pakistan gears up to host the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized the need for significant upgrades to the country’s cricket stadiums. Naqvi, during a visit to review the ongoing renovations at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, noted that current facilities fall short of international standards.
“There’s a huge difference in international stadiums and those of ours […] none of our stadiums are of international standard,” Naqvi stated, reflecting on the necessity of the renovation projects underway. The PCB has allocated Rs12.8 billion for the extensive renovation of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Stadium, and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium in preparation for the tournament.
Last week, Naqvi approved the designs for the stadium upgrades during a visit to BDP Pattern’s head office in London, a renowned architectural firm. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also committed around $70 million for the Champions Trophy, covering expenses from February 12 to 18, 2025.
The PCB’s initiative is not without its challenges. The ongoing renovations at the National Stadium in Karachi have led to the decision to move the second Test of the series between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi. This shift was necessitated by the construction work, and security agencies have recommended that matches be played without spectators, a measure that might affect future fixtures as well.
Naqvi underscored the urgency and scale of the renovation work. “The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) team is working day and night. [We] will make our stadiums one of the best in the world […] providing basic facilities in stadiums is [our] first priority,” he said. The goal is to complete the upgrades before the Champions Trophy begins, ensuring that the venues meet the highest standards.
Additionally, Naqvi addressed the logistics surrounding the event, noting that the PCB has acquired a building near Gaddafi Stadium. This building is intended to be converted into a hotel for teams. However, the completion of this project remains uncertain, with a clearer timeline expected in the next ten days.
The PCB’s efforts to enhance stadium facilities reflect a broader commitment to improving the infrastructure of Pakistani cricket. Naqvi’s remarks highlight the board’s determination to elevate the standards of local venues to match those found internationally, aligning with the global expectations for hosting major cricket events.
With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, the PCB’s renovation projects are crucial to ensuring a successful and well-regarded tournament. The ongoing upgrades are aimed at providing modern amenities and improving the overall spectator experience, thereby showcasing Pakistan’s capability to host world-class cricket events.
As the renovation work continues, the focus will remain on meeting the deadlines and maintaining the quality of the construction to ensure that the stadiums are ready in time for the tournament. The commitment to this significant undertaking reflects the PCB’s dedication to elevating Pakistani cricket and providing top-notch facilities for international competitions.
