Champions Trophy: Pakistan dismisses stadium concerns, says preparations on track

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday, January 08, shared updates about the renovation work of stadiums at three venues chosen to host the Champions Trophy matches in February-March. The timing of PCB's statement is notable as media reports, on Wednesday morning, claimed the board was struggling to complete renovation work on time.

The PCB "assured the fans, spectators and media that all upgradation work was progressing on schedule and will be completed before or around the set deadlines". Notably, a media report claimed that a discussion about shifting the entire Champions Trophy from Pakistan to the UAE had taken place. Dubai is set to host India's matches and a semi-final as the PCB and the ICC agreed to a hybrid model after India refused to travel across the border and play their games in



Pakistan.

The Pakistan board said the renovation work at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi is nearing completion. Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi have been chosen to host the Champions Trophy matches from February 19 to March 9.

The second semi-final and the final is scheduled to be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The final will be moved to Dubai if India qualify.

"The PCB is fully committed to ensuring that all venues are ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other international matches. With over 250 workers labouring 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," it said.