The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) addressed concerns about venue readiness for this year’s Champions Trophy by hosting a media tour of stadiums in Lahore and Karachi on Monday.
The eight-team, 50-over tournament marks Pakistan’s first global event in 28 years. However, due to strained relations between the two countries, India will play all its matches in Dubai.
Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are undergoing upgrades, with hopes that a successful tournament could pave the way for more events in a country considered unsafe since the 2009 attack on Sri Lanka’s cricket team.
“We are on schedule to complete the renovation and upgrade of the Gaddafi Stadium (in Lahore),” said PCB spokesperson Sami Ul Hasan.
“The venue is expected to be handed over to us by the end of the month. We have no doubt about Gaddafi Stadium’s operational readiness to host the Champions Trophy match between Australia and England on February 22,” he added.
The stadium’s capacity has been increased to 35,000, and new hospitality areas have been added.
To demonstrate readiness for the Champions Trophy starting on February 19, Lahore and Karachi will host a tri-nation series next month, featuring New Zealand and South Africa.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
