Photo Credit: Pakistan Cricket Board
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is set to shine as one of the key venues for this prestigious tournament. The iconic stadium has undergone a major renovation, promising not only world-class cricket but also an enhanced fan experience. As the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ensures the stadium meets the highest international standards, both modernity and security are key priorities.
Following one of the most significant facelifts since the 1996 World Cup, Gaddafi Stadium is ready to host the Champions Trophy. With four matches already scheduled, excitement is building among cricket fans. A standout feature of the renovation is the introduction of a 10-foot wide moat designed to prevent pitch invasions.
This new security measure, replacing the traditional steel cage, also serves as an effective drainage system. To further protect the players and preserve gameplay, a protective net will be installed over the moat, ensuring even the hardest-hit balls remain in play and improving the matchday experience.
The renovation also pays tribute to two cricketing legends, Zaheer Abbas and Majid Khan, with VVIP enclosures named in their honor. This thoughtful gesture preserves their legacy while complementing the stadium’s modern upgrades. Additional improvements include new LED floodlights, high-resolution SMD screens, and upgraded seating, all contributing to a truly immersive experience for spectators.
As the tournament draws closer, PCB has ensured that Gaddafi Stadium will be a beacon of cricketing excellence. Co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a thrilling spectacle. Defending champions Pakistan will take the field under new leadership, with Mohammad Rizwan replacing Babar Azam as captain following Azam’s decision to step down after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Rizwan’s leadership will be tested in what is expected to be a highly competitive tournament, as Pakistan aims to defend its title from the memorable 2017 edition.
Despite the absence of rising star Saim Ayub, sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the New Year’s Test in South Africa, Pakistan has assembled a formidable squad. With key players like Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Shah Afridi remaining crucial to their success, the squad—bolstered by four returning players—has the potential to deliver another memorable triumph under Rizwan’s leadership.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
