ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Relocated Due To Stadium Issues In Pakistan

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to start in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 19, just 40 days away. The tournament will be played in a hybrid format, with India playing all of its matches (including knockout rounds if it qualifies) in Dubai.
However, a report says the condition of the three stadiums in Pakistan – Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi- is poor. In one of the stadiums, even the plastering isn’t finished.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A Looming Challenge for Pakistan’s Stadiums
“It is a very disappointing picture. All three stadiums are far from ready and it’s not renovation or refurbishment, but proper construction which is underway. There is so much work left with seats, floodlights, facilities and even the outfield and playing surfaces,” a source was quoted as saying by Times of India.
“The weather is not ideal for construction and finishing work to happen at a rapid pace. At Gadaffi, even the plaster work isn’t completed yet. And most of the time is taken by finishing work because we are talking about dressing rooms etc. They just can’t be random rooms/enclosures for an ICC event. ICC has a checklist which needs to be met. National Stadium has decided to not completely finish the new enclosure because there is no time.”
Typically, the host countries of international events hand over the venues to the International Cricket Council (ICC) well in advance. This allows the ICC to conduct quality checks and make any necessary arrangements before the event takes place.
“It’s a no-brainer on what would happen if PCB misses deadlines and venues don’t meet ICC checklist. Tournament can’t be played at semi-ready venues. The next week will give more clarity on the future but PCB and ICC together need to pull off a miracle,” the report stated.
Gaddafi Stadium (yesterday)
Finishing deadline 25 January #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/JcI32tZZ3K— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) January 7, 2025
PCB Assures Completion of Stadium Upgrades Before Set Deadlines
According to a report by IANS, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to move the upcoming men’s ODI tri-series to Lahore and Karachi. This change is due to significant upgrades nearing completion at these venues, which will host matches for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The trilogy, which involves New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan, was originally planned to take place in Multan. However, the PCB has decided to hold it at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi instead, as both venues are almost ready.
The PCB has assured fans, spectators, and the media that the upgrade work is on track and will be finished by or around the set deadlines.
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