The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reassured both local and international cricket fans about the readiness of the country’s stadiums for this year’s Champions Trophy, marking the return of global cricket tournaments to Pakistan after a 28-year hiatus. On Monday, the PCB invited media personnel to tour the upgraded venues in Lahore and Karachi, providing firsthand insight into the extensive renovations and preparations underway.
This year’s Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams in a 50-over format, will be the first major international tournament hosted in Pakistan since the tragic 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team. The incident had cast a long shadow over the country’s cricketing landscape, making Pakistan a no-go zone for international teams. However, with the PCB’s persistent efforts to restore cricketing glory, the Champions Trophy will signal the country’s return to the global cricketing fold.
While Pakistan will host most of the tournament, India, due to ongoing political tensions between the two countries, will play all their matches in Dubai. This has raised questions about the logistics and security of the tournament, but PCB officials are confident that the venues are prepared to meet international standards.
The tournament will take place across three key stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, all of which are undergoing significant upgrades. PCB spokesperson Sami Ul Hasan provided updates on the progress of these renovations during the media tour, particularly focusing on Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
“We are on schedule to complete the renovation and upgrade of the Gaddafi Stadium,” said Ul Hasan. “The venue is expected to be handed over to us by the end of this month. We have no doubt about Gaddafi Stadium’s operational readiness to host the Champions Trophy match between Australia and England on February 22.”
The upgrades to Gaddafi Stadium include an increase in capacity to accommodate 35,000 fans and the addition of new hospitality areas. These enhancements aim to offer a world-class experience for both players and spectators. The stadium, which has previously hosted numerous international events, is now primed to host the opening match of the tournament, further solidifying Pakistan’s growing confidence in its ability to host major events.
Lahore and Karachi will also host a tri-nation series next month, involving New Zealand and South Africa, which will serve as a final test run for the venues ahead of the Champions Trophy. This series will provide an opportunity to fine-tune operations, ensure the smooth execution of logistics, and address any potential issues before the international teams arrive for the prestigious event. The PCB has been working closely with security forces and local authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment for both players and spectators during the tournament.
With the successful completion of these upgrades, Pakistan hopes to establish itself as a viable destination for future international cricket events, potentially paving the way for more global tournaments in the country. The Champions Trophy, starting on February 19, will be a key test for the PCB’s efforts to restore Pakistan’s reputation as a safe and capable host for international cricket.
