January 9, 2025

Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Relocates ODI Tri-Series, Raising Concerns Over Stadium Renovations

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the upcoming ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa will be relocated to Lahore and Karachi. The decision comes as stadium renovations for the Champions Trophy 2025 approach completion, prompting the change in venues.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its decision to relocate the upcoming men’s ODI tri-series to Lahore and Karachi. This move comes as the venues approach the final stages of major upgrades in preparation for hosting matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Originally planned for Multan, the tri-series—featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa—will now be held at Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium. The PCB cited the advanced progress of renovation work at these venues as the primary reason for the change.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provided a comprehensive update, assuring fans, spectators, and the media that all renovation and upgrade projects at key cricket venues are on track and will be completed within the set timelines. The improvements aim to elevate the infrastructure and overall experience ahead of the prestigious 2025 Champions Trophy.

Upgrades at Gaddafi Stadium

The PCB announced significant enhancements at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, increasing its seating capacity to 35,000 with the installation of new chairs. The upgraded venue is set to be inaugurated in the last week of January.

• Lighting: “Additionally, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for fans worldwide,” stated the PCB.
• Replay Screens: Two massive digital replay screens, measuring 80 feet x 30 feet and 22 feet x 35 feet, are scheduled for installation next week to improve the spectator experience further.
• Hospitality Facilities: A brand-new hospitality enclosure for players and officials will be ready by January 25, adding to the venue’s premium features.

Enhancements at National Bank Stadium

The PCB also highlighted key improvements at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, showcasing its commitment to modernizing facilities.

• Lighting: The installation of 350 LED lights ensures optimal visibility for high-quality broadcast coverage, catering to a global audience.
• Replay Screens: Two digital replay screens have already been installed, providing fans with an enhanced match-viewing experience.
• Spectator Comfort: The addition of 5,000 new chairs aims to enhance seating comfort for spectators.
• Hospitality Area: A new hospitality enclosure for players and officials has been constructed at the University End, further upgrading the venue.

Minor Upgrades at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

At Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the PCB is focusing on smaller renovations to meet the required standards:

• Seating and Hospitality: 10,000 new chairs are being installed, alongside upgrades to the hospitality boxes to ensure spectator and guest comfort.
• Replay Screens: Two digital replay screens are also being added to modernize the stadium’s facilities.

These updates reflect the PCB’s dedication to delivering world-class cricketing venues, ensuring top-notch experiences for players, officials, and fans ahead of upcoming marquee events.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also highlighted the meticulous efforts of its curators, working under the guidance of Tony Hemming, to preserve and maintain the outfields and playing surfaces at the three stadiums during the ongoing renovation process. These efforts ensure the grounds remain in optimal condition, protected, healthy, and ready for use.

The PCB emphasized the scale of the project, stating, “With over 250 workers laboring day and night to meet the 25 January deadline, the PCB is confident that the upgrades will elevate the fan experience and uphold Pakistan’s reputation as a premier cricketing destination.”

This commitment underscores the PCB’s dedication to enhancing facilities while maintaining the highest standards of cricketing excellence, ensuring both players and fans have an unparalleled experience.

See also: BCCI Selectors Set to Convene on January 11 to Finalize India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad: Report