With concerns growing over the readiness of Champions Trophy venues in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will be handed over to the ICC on February 11, just over a week before the tournament begins.
The PCB shared a video of the revamped stadium on ‘X,’ stating, “Under the lights, it’s a sight to behold!…We can’t wait to welcome fans, officials and teams for the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy.” The tournament is set to start on February 19.
A PCB official told PTI that the stadium will be transferred to the International Cricket Council “for branding and other stuff on February 11” following Pakistan’s tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.
The ICC had initially set January 31 as the deadline for the handover of all three host venues—Gaddafi Stadium, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Stadium—but work at the venues has taken longer than expected.
The official added that “final touches” were being made to Gaddafi Stadium.
“…this has been a construction site and there will be some rubble, which will be removed shortly. This stadium has taken shape after six months of work,” the official stated.
Pakistan is hosting the eight-team Champions Trophy, but India will play all its matches in Dubai due to security concerns.
Dawn recently reported that completing the renovation work within the deadline “seems absolutely impossible to contemplate, but the personnel handed the responsibility are beaming with confidence.”
The PCB has assured that Karachi’s National Stadium will also be ready in time to host the tournament opener between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19.
The board has invested approximately PKR 12 billion in renovations, construction, and equipment upgrades at all three venues. Tickets have already gone on sale, but concerns remain until the PCB confirms full control of the upgraded stadiums.
Meanwhile, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice resigned on Tuesday after the governing body’s board expressed dissatisfaction with his handling of Pakistan’s preparations for the event.
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Photo Credit: Pakistan Cricket Board
