Questions are being raised over the construction work of Lahore and Karachi stadiums for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19. This is a big opportunity for Pakistan because for the first time since 1996, a major ICC tournament is being held in the country. But before the tournament, questions are being raised regarding the preparations of the stadiums of Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has assured that the stadiums will be ready on time, but many people still doubt whether everything will be completed on time.
Gaddafi Stadium of Lahore will be the most important ground, where big matches of the tournament will be played. According to the PCB, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the stadium on February 7, which will be just 12 days before the tournament. The work of installing new seats, players’ facilities and better lighting in the stadium is going on at a fast pace. More than 1,000 labourers are working day and night to get the stadium ready on time.
Will the tournament shift from Pakistan? PCB rejected
Some reports said that the Champions Trophy could be shifted from Pakistan to some other country. But PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi termed these reports wrong. He said that the PCB had assured the ICC in writing in June 2024 that all the stadiums would be ready on time. An ICC team will come to inspect the stadiums in January 2025 and the PCB is confident that everything will be fine.
Our security arrangements and stadium preparations are completely perfect. We have successfully organized the 2023 Asia Cup and many big matches.” – Mohsin Naqvi
The opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy will be held in Lahore on 16 February. This time there will be no traditional photoshoot and press conference of the captains because the schedules of all the teams are very busy. PCB has prepared a digital event, which will include live performances by Pakistani artists, glimpses from cricket history and interaction with fans online.
The PCB has requested the ICC to reduce the number of tickets for sponsors and VIPs, so that the general audience can get more tickets. PCB has decided that 70% of the tickets will be for the general public, and tickets for students will be cheaper, so that more and more people can come to watch the match.
“We want the stadiums to be full of spectators and have a great atmosphere.” – Mohsin Naqvi
The PCB, in collaboration with the government and security agencies, has prepared specific travel routes and an AI-based monitoring system for the players. The tournament will bring a direct benefit of approximately $50 million (₹415 crore) to Pakistan’s economy, which will boost tourism and hotel business.
