Key Points:
- Premier wants to see Pakistan win against India in Dubai
- Suggests to reward 2,500 workers involved in the renovation to tour London
- Massive crowds flock to Gaddafi Stadium, renovated in record period of 117 days
LAHORE: In the lead-up to the much-anticipated International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ceremoniously unveiled the newly-revitalised Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, heralding a fresh era in the storied 65-year legacy of this iconic cricket venue.
The prime minister commended PCB Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and the dedicated contractors and workers for their remarkable achievement in revamping Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in an astonishingly swift timeframe of just 117 days—an endeavour he deemed “almost impossible.”
During the inauguration ceremony, he encouraged Naqvi to reward the 2,500 hardworking individuals involved in the renovation by arranging a memorable trip to London for them.
He praised the Pakistani cricketers for their stellar performances in recent matches as they gear up for the prestigious ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The premier conveyed his optimism that the national team would capture the hearts of the Pakistani people by securing victory in the Champions Trophy, particularly by triumphing over their long-standing rival, India, in the highly anticipated match set to take place in Dubai.
Expressing his delight at the return of this grand cricketing event to Pakistan after a 29-year hiatus, the prime minister assured that the Punjab government and the PCB would implement robust security measures to guarantee a safe and successful tournament.
Sharif expressed his eager anticipation for the Pakistan national cricket team to triumph over India in the Champions Trophy. He expressed his optimism, stating, “We are all eagerly awaiting the moment when our team claims victory against India.”
With high hopes, he believed that the prowess of Pakistan’s bowlers would challenge their rivals. He also took a moment to commend the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, stating, “Let’s shift our focus to the Mohsin Speed; the Shehbaz Speed is now a tale of the past.”
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the inaugural ceremony of the renovated and refurbished Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025. pic.twitter.com/qEzNmxvDf1
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) February 7, 2025
A glitzy ceremony
The celebration was a vibrant tapestry of music, dance, and dazzling fireworks, crafting an unforgettable experience for fans who enjoyed complimentary admission.
The PCB welcomed celebrated artists Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar, and Aima Baig, who captivated the crowd with their enchanting performances. This was followed by a breathtaking display of drums and fireworks that lit up the night sky, while an extraordinary light show added an extra layer of splendour to the evening’s festivities.
The state-of-the-art Gaddafi Stadium
The revamped Gaddafi Stadium now dazzles with radiant LED lights, boasts two massive scoreboards, and features imported seating throughout its enclosures, guaranteeing fans an unparalleled viewing experience.
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In addition to these visual upgrades, the stadium has introduced luxurious hospitality boxes and modernised amenities for both players and spectators. With the addition of approximately 10,000 new seats, the venue’s capacity has been significantly increased.
These enhancements promise a cricketing experience like no other, complete with improved seating layouts, optimal viewing angles, and an electrifying ambiance.
Gaddafi Stadium is set to kick off the tri-nation ODI series with an exciting match against New Zealand tomorrow, and it will also host four matches during the Champions Trophy, including the highly-anticipated second semi-final.
