15 august 2024 : The Pakistan Cricket Board has sanctioned the enhancement of cricket stadiums at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium, which have been designated as the three venues for the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled from February 19 to March 9.
As reported by Geo News, the board has earmarked Rs 12.80 billion for the improvement of these three venues. Recently, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited the London office of BDP Pattern.
During this visit, Naqvi met with Chairman Chris Harding and other senior officials, approving the renovation of the stadiums following their discussions. The UK-based organization has been responsible for the construction of approximately 200 international stadiums globally.
Wasim Akram expressed concerns regarding Pakistan’s stadiums.
Earlier this year, when a fan inquired of former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram on A Sports about the lack of investment by the PCB in the infrastructure of stadiums in the northern regions, Akram responded candidly, stating, “We can’t even maintain three stadiums; how could we possibly build a new one?”
He further remarked, “Have you seen the roof of Gaddafi Stadium as shown by the drone? We struggle to manage the three we currently have, let alone dream of constructing a new one. While there is ample space for a new stadium, Abbottabad is a particularly beautiful location for such a facility,” Akram added.
Uncertainty surrounds India’s participation in the Champions Trophy.
There are lingering questions regarding whether India will travel to Pakistan for the prestigious 50-over tournament, which is being held for the first time since 2017.
Due to strained political relations, India has not visited Pakistan since 2008, and the two cricket-loving nations only compete against each other in multi-team events.
Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year, but the eventual champions, India, were permitted to play all their matches in Sri Lanka under what the organizers referred to as a “hybrid model.”
India stated that they did not receive authorization from their government to travel.
