As per a report by TOI, the stadiums in Pakistan are in dire situation ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The showpiece event is set to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allocated around 12.8 billion PKR for the renovation of stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, which are set to host the Champions Trophy. They focused on improving the infrastructure of the stadiums, including dressing rooms and hospitality boxes. Moreover, the board also invested heavily for better placement of seats and installation of new floodlights. However, the upgradation work is far from over and the situation isn’t looking ideal to get it completed until the January 25 deadline.
The report also states the ICC team will visit all three stadiums in Pakistan for a status check soon, while the apex board is also said to be in discussion with the Emirates Cricket Board. With only around 40 days to kickoff the event, the ICC may shift all the games to UAE, which was already hosting the India games, if the stadiums don’t meet their criteria.
“It is a very disappointing picture. All three stadiums are far from ready and it’s not renovation or refurbishment, but proper construction which is underway. There is so much work left with seats, floodlights, facilities and even the outfield and playing surfaces,” a source was quoted as saying by Times of India.
According to the source, it would only be a “miracle” if the PCB manages to meet ICC’s requirements and continue as the host of the big event.
“It’s a no-brainer on what would happen if PCB misses deadlines and venues don’t meet ICC checklist. Tournament can’t be played at semi-ready venues. The next week will give more clarity on the future but PCB and ICC together need to pull off a miracle,” the report added.
Interestingly, the 1996 World Cup was the last ICC event played in Pakistan. They served as the co-host along with India and Sri Lanka, as the Islanders won their maiden ICC title.
PCB remains steadfast about hosting Champions Trophy
After various reports claimed Pakistan stadium’s disappointing state, PCB has put forward a confident statement of hosting the Champions Trophy. They also shifted their four-game tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa to Lahore and Karachi to indicate their preparedness.
Originally, the series was due to be played in Multan from February 8 to 14, but the PCB has sent a strong signal by hosting games at the venues, which are still undergoing significant construction work.
According to the PCB official, they are on track to meet ICC’s deadline of January 25 and gave assurance of “elevating” the fan experience in all stadiums.
“The PCB is fully committed to ensuring that all venues are ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other international matches. With over 250 workers labouring day and night to meet the 25 January deadline, the PCB is confident that the upgrades will elevate the fan experience and uphold Pakistan’s reputation as a premier cricketing destination,” the PCB official was quoted as saying by India Today.
