PCB Confident of Lahore and Karachi Stadiums' Readiness

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains optimistic that both Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Stadium in Karachi will be ready to host the Champions Trophy next year, even though ongoing renovations might affect this season’s bilateral matches, including the upcoming Test against England in Karachi.

Due to the construction work, the PCB has already relocated the second Test against Bangladesh, initially scheduled to be held in Karachi, to Rawalpindi. Speaking to the media in Lahore, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi acknowledged that while match venues might shift throughout the season, the primary objective is to ensure the stadiums are fully prepared before the Champions Trophy.

England is scheduled to play their second Test in Karachi from October 15-19. However, after moving Bangladesh’s Test, the PCB has not yet confirmed Karachi as the venue for England’s match. The board stated that they are closely coordinating with architects and construction experts to ensure the safe hosting of the match while keeping the England and Wales Cricket Board informed.

The situation’s unpredictability was highlighted by how the Bangladesh Test venue was changed. Initially, after posting ticket prices, the PCB announced that the Karachi Test would be held behind closed doors. However, they later moved the match to Rawalpindi to avoid disrupting the ongoing renovations and to prevent the construction work from impacting the game.

Naqvi explained that the decision was influenced by security and police advice, which recommended against hosting matches while construction workers were present in the stadium. He also acknowledged that none of Pakistan’s stadiums currently meet international standards, citing issues with seating, bathrooms, and overall visibility for spectators.

Following media reports suggesting possible changes to the Champions Trophy venues or dates, the PCB issued a statement denying any alterations to the draft schedule submitted to the ICC. The board reiterated that the redevelopment of the designated stadiums would be completed on time, ensuring their readiness for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. While some domestic matches might be relocated to facilitate uninterrupted construction, the Champions Trophy remains a top priority for the PCB.

During his media address, Naqvi pointed out the urgent need for stadium renovations, noting the significant gap between Pakistani stadiums and international standards. He pointed out that the upgrades in Lahore and Karachi are extensive, and partial renovations are expected to make the stadiums ready in time for the Champions Trophy.

Naqvi expressed confidence in the progress, stating that within the next five months, key areas of the Gaddafi Stadium, including two enclosures and the main building, would be completed. He also mentioned plans to build new stadiums in Islamabad and Abbottabad and urged local authorities to either upgrade existing facilities or hand them over to the PCB for development.

Citing the completion of the New York stadium for the T20 World Cup just days before the event, Naqvi assured that Pakistan’s stadiums would be ready well in advance of the Champions Trophy.