Multiple reports earlier suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might struggle to make its venues ready for the ICC Champions Trophy by the February 12 deadline. However, the relocation of the upcoming ODI tri-series from Multan to Lahore and Karachi signals a bold and confident stance from the PCB. Starting from February 8, Pakistan are scheduled to have a tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa.
PCB shifts Tri-series from Multan to Lahore and Karachi
The PCB has announced that the four-match ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, which was originally set to take place in Multan, will now be hosted at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
In a statement, the PCB explained the reasoning behind the move. “Given the advanced stage of preparations at the Gaddafi Stadium and the National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to relocate the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues. The series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa alongside Pakistan, was originally scheduled to be held in Multan.”
ICC Champions Trophy preps still not completed
Both Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium have been undergoing extensive upgrades to ensure they meet international standards ahead of Pakistan’s first ICC event in nearly 30 years. The most sstriking renovations have taken place at Gaddafi Stadium, where the capacity has been increased to 35,000, and new digital replay screens have been installed. The National Bank Stadium in Karachi has seen similar enhancements, with improved lighting systems and hospitality facilities.
Key Upgrades at Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore)
- Increased Capacity: The stadium’s spectator capacity has been increased to 35,000.
- New Digital Replay Screens: Two giant digital replay screens will be operational soon.
- Hospitality Enclosure: A new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure has been built, set to be operational by January 25.
- Enhanced Lighting: 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed for better broadcast quality.
Key Upgrades at National Bank Stadium (Karachi)
- Players’ Hospitality: A new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure has been created at the University End.
- Improved Lighting: 350 LED lights have been installed to improve visibility.
- Replay Screens: Two digital replay screens are now in place.
- New Seating: 5,000 new chairs have been installed to enhance spectator comfort.
Minor Enhancements at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
While most attention has been focused on Lahore and Karachi, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has also undergone minor upgrades. These include the installation of 10,000 new chairs, upgrades to hospitality boxes, and two digital replay screens.
The Champions Trophy will see a hybrid model in place, with 10 to 11 of the 15 matches scheduled to be played in Pakistan. The remaining games, including India’s matches and a semi-final, will be played in Dubai. If India qualify for the final, the summit clash will be in Dubai as well, else in Lahore.
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