The noise and doubts about stadium upgradation for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan have been put to rest.
Always focused on portraying the negative image of Pakistan—mainly the mainstream Indian media and the vociferous, malicious and, at the same time, unbridled YouTube channels—are now silent.
They harried and raised doubts. However, there is a dead silence on their part in the wake of a visit by the International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation.
The ICC, to their sheer disappointment, expressed satisfaction over the progress of the work.
To put more water on the fuming propaganda, the Pakistan Cricket Board has wisely relocated the tri-series, ahead of the Champions Trophy, to Karachi and Lahore.
That will put an end to all the propaganda. The three stadiums—Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi—will be up and ready for the Champions Trophy to offer cricket lovers witness amazing and compelling action.
The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy was allocated to Pakistan in November 2021. It was after much persuasion that Pakistan was given the hosting rights of the Champions Trophy—the first time they would host an ICC event after co-hosting the 1996 World Cup.
The then PCB chairman Ramiz Raja did not last long and a month later he was shown the door.
Not much work was done in the next two phases with Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf at the helm of affairs. Both were embroiled in their own survival.
The arrangements for the Champions Trophy could not take off until January last year.
Then Mohsin Naqvi came in. His tenure as interim chief minister of Punjab was praised for his development work. Some of the infrastructure developed in that interim period was not only done at a rapid speed but was done immaculately.
In fact, Naqvi’s work as interim CM earned him the PCB top spot, for it was believed to be the best-suited choice to oversee the stadiums’ upgrades. The PCB earmarked Rs12.80 billion for the enhancement of these three stadiums and set the ball rolling.
It was tough as the time was short and task tall. There were aspersions, doubts and what not? But credit must be given where it is due. Like Superman, Naqvi made it a point to shock the builders with his day-in, day-out visits to himself to ascertain the progress.
The upgrade work has raised the capacity at the Gaddafi Stadium from 32,000 to 35,000. Fans can savour games on new chairs installed throughout the venue. Additionally, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for fans worldwide.
To further elevate the spectator experience, two giant digital replay screens—measuring 80 feet x 30 feet and 22 feet x 35 feet—are installed. PCB said a brand-new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure has also been created, which will be operational by 25th January.
Once ready, the historic stadium will provide an unparalleled experience for all stakeholders.
Similarly, the National Bank Stadium, Karachi undergone significant enhancements. There is a new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure at the University End to improve broadcast coverage. Besides, 350 LED lights have also been installed.
Not only those present at the stadium will have incredible visibility but those who are miles, countries and oceans away will watch the picture with amazement.
Two digital replay screens have already been fixed, and 5,000 new chairs have been installed to enhance spectators’ comfort.
Moreover, the layout of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is also slightly changed. The long-awaited demand for chairs in various stands is finally fulfilled with the arrangement of 10,000 new chairs.
Previously, fans used to sit on the floor and had to bear the cold weather and rain. The hospitality boxes and the installation of two digital replay screens will also embellish the stadium.
The first match of the Champions Trophy will prove the old adage, “Where there is a will, there is a way.”