The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have made huge headway when it comes to the preparations of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. One of the three venues for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the facility will install new LED floodlights in six towers that’ll aid players and improve the watching experience of the audience in the stadium.
Champions Trophy: Renovations & ICC’s approval
Right now, the old floodlights are being dismantled and soon enough, the state-of-the-art floodlights will be installed. These renovations started in August, and with little more than three months left, it’s estimated that 50% of the upgradation is done.
PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi had recently visited Lahore to check the progress and was happy. He told the media, “The stadium is now set to become world-class.” It’s not just the PCB that’s satisfied with the Champions Trophy preparations but also the International Cricket Council (ICC). Last month, Naqvi travelled to Dubai and presented a report to the board, which was met with positivity by the ICC.
For those who are unaware, the Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be played in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. So far, six of the seven participants have agreed to travel to Pakistan, with India being the only exception.
ICC Champions Trophy Proposed Schedule
- February 19: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Karachi
- February 20: Bangladesh vs India – Lahore
- February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa – Karachi
- February 22: Australia vs England – Lahore
- February 23: New Zealand vs India – Lahore
- February 24: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Rawalpindi
- February 25: Afghanistan vs England – Lahore
- February 26: Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi
- February 27: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – Lahore
- February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia – Rawalpindi
- March 1: Pakistan vs India – Lahore
- March 2: South Africa vs England – Rawalpindi
- March 5 Semi-final: TBC vs TBC – Karachi
- March 6 Semi-final: TBC vs TBC – Rawalpindi
- March 9 Final: TBC vs TBC – Lahore
