With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just weeks away, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is racing against time to ensure that venues are ready for the global spectacle. The spotlight is on Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which is set to be handed over to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on February 11—just days before the tournament opener on February 19.
Gaddafi Stadium: A Work in Progress
The PCB recently posted a video of the stadium under lights, calling it “a sight to behold”, fueling anticipation among fans. However, behind the scenes, final touches are still being applied, with reports suggesting rubble clearance and finishing touches are ongoing.
A PCB source confirmed:
“This has been a construction site for six months, but it is finally taking shape. By February 11, the ICC will take over for branding and final preparations.”
A Tight Race to the Deadline
- ICC’s initial deadline for stadium readiness was January 31, but work at Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi remains unfinished.
- PKR 12 billion ($43 million approx.) has been spent on renovations, ensuring modern facilities, enhanced infrastructure, and upgraded equipment.
- Concerns remain, as Pakistan’s leading English daily Dawn reported that completing the work on time seems “impossible”, though PCB officials remain optimistic.
Karachi’s National Stadium to Host the Opener
Despite delays, the PCB insists that the National Stadium in Karachi will be match-ready in time for the opening fixture between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19.
A Leadership Shake-Up at ICC
The uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s venue readiness has already led to a major development—ICC CEO Geoff Allardice resigned after failing to provide a clear picture of Pakistan’s preparedness for the event.
India to Play in Dubai
Due to security concerns, India will play all its matches in Dubai, a decision made as part of the hybrid model agreed upon by the ICC, PCB, and BCCI.
The Countdown Begins
With tickets already on sale, fans are eagerly awaiting an action-packed tournament, but the question remains—will Pakistan deliver world-class venues on time? The answer will unfold in the coming days as the finishing touches are put in place.