Key Points
- Pakistan revamps iconic stadiums
- Pakistan and India gear up for February 23 faceoff in Dubai
- First ICC Champions Trophy event was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is gearing up to showcase its passion for cricket as it undertakes major renovations of its iconic stadiums in cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi ahead of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy.
With these preparations, the cricket-loving nation is set to provide a world-class experience for players and fans alike.
In this connection, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the upgrade of Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be completed on 25 January, with a grand inauguration planned for January 27.
During a media interaction at the stadium, he hoped the upgrade would be finalised on time, saying that the inauguration would feature several prominent personalities.
According to Pakistan’s state-run news agency, APP, Mohsin Naqvi was informed on the progress of work during his visit to the stadium.
ICC Champions Trophy
Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi conducted a detailed visit to the stadium on Monday to review the progress of the renovation project. During the visit, he also inspected the construction work across all areas of the facility, including the main building’s floors, and walked up to the top tiers of the general enclosures to personally assess the improved view of the ground.
“This project is advancing swiftly despite adverse weather conditions. We are committed to delivering a fully renovated and modernised Gaddafi Stadium before the ICC Champions Trophy. It will stand as a symbol of excellence and pride for Pakistan cricket,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The stadium is set to emerge as a world-class facility with a seating capacity exceeding 34,000. Installation of brand-new scoreboards on both sides of the stadium is also underway.
State-of-the-art floodlights
The installation of state-of-the-art floodlights is in its final phase, ensuring unparalleled visibility for players and spectators alike after sunset.
Additionally, enhancements in general enclosures have improved the ground view, providing a superior experience for cricket fans.
Expressing his satisfaction with the progress, the PCB chairman lauded the efforts of the workers and acknowledged their dedication to maintaining the project’s momentum despite challenging winter conditions and dense fog.
He also lauded the remarkable transformation and noted the improved fan experience from the general enclosures.
History of Champions Trophy
According to Cricinfo, the Champions Trophy was the idea of Jagmohan Dalmiya, who was ICC president in the late 1990s. It had a dual objective of spreading the cricket to emerging nations and raising money for the ICC in between World Cups, thus enabling it to pump more cash into those fledgling cricket countries.
The first event, labelled as a mini World Cup, was staged in Dhaka, Bangladesh in October 1998 and raised more over £10 million. The second, in Nairobi, Kenya was a commercial success although the crowds stayed away.
According to official website of ICC, the event was renamed the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002 was held every two years until 2009 when it was held in South Africa.
Subsequently, the event moved to a four-year cycle and features the top eight teams in the ICC one-day rankings.
The first round comprises two groups of four with the top two in each group progressing to the semi-finals and the winners contesting the final. The event is short, sharp and highly competitive, according to ICC.
Trophy schedule
This year the event will be held in Pakistan as the ICC announced the schedule for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, whereas the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was confirmed as neutral venue for India’s matches.
The 15-match, eight-team mega-event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first international cricket tournament since 1996.
The thrilling 19-day tournament, in which every game count in the bid to claim the iconic Champions Trophy white jackets, will see Bangladesh, India, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group A with Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa in Group B, said the ICC.
The stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will host the matches in Pakistan, while Dubai will also host some matches.
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule
19 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi
20 Feb – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi
22 Feb – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
23 Feb – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
24 Feb – Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
25 Feb – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
27 Feb – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
1 Mar – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi
2 Mar – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai*
5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**
9 Mar – Final – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore or Dubai
All matches start at 14h00 Pakistan Standard Time
* Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify
**Semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify
