With less than three weeks to go before the Champions Trophy kick-off, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finds itself in troubled waters as the stadium renovation work is progressing painfully slowly. This shocking development has left the stakeholders including the International Cricket Board (ICC) deeply worried.
While India will play all its fixtures in Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), the venues at Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will play host to the remaining Champions Trophy fixtures. At present, the latest visuals emerging from these stadiums paint a grim picture. Growing reports from Pakistan now suggest that is starting to look very unlikely that PCB will be able to deliver and get the venues ready by January 31st which is believed to be the deadline set by the ICC.
PCB’s promise of ‘world-class experience’ exposed
PCB had previously promised the ICC and the cricketing fraternity that the renovation work would be carried out smoothly and executed well before the deadline. However, as per reports from Pakistan, the claim has been refuted and the authorities now feel that even getting basic facilities in place seems like a challenge at present.
"It seems absolutely impossible to contemplate the renovation work being completed within the deadline, but the personnel handed the responsibility are beaming with confidence."
Dawn News
After the circulation of several pictures and videos on the internet, it becomes clear that PCB is way behind schedule as far as renovation work is concerned. Furthermore, a source from the PCB was quoted saying PTI that the tall claim of serving a ‘world-class experience’ seems to be dissipating rapidly as the deadline nears. It remains to be seen whether the PCB will be able to fulfill its claim.
"Look, the stadiums will be in a shape to host matches but the question is the PCB has promised everyone a world-class experience at these renovated venues for the Tri-series and Champions Trophy and whether they can deliver on that promise remains to be seen."
So what’s next for PCB and its stadiums?
Pakistan are set to host a tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand which will commence on February 9 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. However, the renovation work is still in progress at the venue which has got those involved highly worried.
Despite the drawbacks, positive assurances are being issued by the PCB. The work at the National Stadium in Karachi is approaching its completion. The PCB’s director for the project at the National Stadium in Karachi, Bilal Chauhan, told the media outlet that there is no need to press the alarm button and assures that all the work will be wrapped up by the end of January.
“Everything is under control and the stadium will be ready by the 31st.”
Bilal Chauhan