In their latest attempt to boost infrastructure for Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PSB) has decided to double the seating capacity at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore. Rawalpindi and Karachi, apart from Lahore, are the three cities that will host the marquee tournament that will take place in February next year. Renovation works are already underway at the Gaddafi stadium and in the National Stadium in Karachi in a bid to enhance the fan experience and improve the infrastructure ahead of the tournament.
Pakistan go all out to prepare for Champions Trophy 2025
As per Cricket Pakistan, the project for the expansion of the Gaddafi stadium is estimated to be completed by December and will cost PKR 7.5 bn. The number of seats, currently 21,000 will be increased to 34,000. Additionally, trees are being removed and enclosures are being brought closer to the ground in order to allow fans to view the game better.
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An ICC delegation is all set to visit Pakistan in late October or early November as a part of one of their final visits to the country before the Champions Trophy 2025. PCB chief Moshin Naqvi has been constantly monitoring the renovation works at the stadiums and has directed officials to ensure that the work is completed on time.
The PCB’s efforts to boost the infrastructure comes amid the uncertainity over Pakistan hosting the tournament entirely. Although Pakistan has remained adamant that they will host the tournament no matter what, India is yet to confirm if they will send a team to the neighbouring nation. Reports of ICC also considering a hybrid model for CT 2025 also did the rounds earlier, similar to how the Asia Cup was hosted. However, nothing has been confirmed so far and it remains that Pakistan is the host nation at present.
