The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that preparations for this year’s Champions Trophy are progressing smoothly, as it invited the media to tour the stadiums in Lahore and Karachi.
The tournament, featuring eight teams in a 50-over format, marks the first global cricket event in Pakistan in nearly three decades. Due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, India will play all its matches in Dubai.
Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are undergoing significant upgrades for the tournament. A successful event could pave the way for more international competitions in Pakistan, a country that has worked hard to rebuild its reputation as a safe venue since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team.
PCB spokesperson Sami Ul Hasan shared updates on the renovations, particularly at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. “The renovations and upgrades are on schedule, and we expect to take over the venue by the end of the month.
We are confident that Gaddafi Stadium will be fully ready to host the Champions Trophy match between Australia and England on February 22,” he said.
The stadium now boasts an increased capacity of 35,000, making it Pakistan’s largest cricket venue, along with newly constructed hospitality areas to enhance the spectator experience.
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19, Lahore and Karachi will also host a tri-nation series featuring New Zealand and South Africa, serving as a final test for the upgraded venues.
With preparations on track, the PCB is optimistic that the revamped stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will meet international standards, reaffirming Pakistan’s capability to host major global cricket events.