Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Venues Not Ready Yet
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be played in February, will be hosted by Pakistan. Matches are set to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, reports indicate that these stadiums are not yet ready, raising concerns about Pakistan’s preparedness for the prestigious tournament, which is only a month away.
Stadiums Still Under Construction
The National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are undergoing construction and upgrades, but the progress has been alarmingly slow. The work, which began in August 2024, was supposed to be completed by December 31, 2024. However, the venues are far from being finished.
According to sources who inspected the sites, the situation is worrisome. A report shared with The Times of India states:
“It is a very disappointing picture. All three stadiums are not yet completed. This is not just renovation but original construction of several elements. There is a lot of work to be done, including seating, floodlights, facilities, and even the outfield and pitch.”
ICC Concerns and Deadline
With just 40 days left until the start of the tournament, the ICC is growing increasingly concerned. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been given a strict deadline to prepare the venues by January 25. If the stadiums fail to meet ICC’s standards, the Champions Trophy could be moved to another location, with the UAE being a potential alternative host.
ICC officials are expected to visit Pakistan next week to inspect the stadiums. If significant progress is not made soon, the tournament could face logistical challenges similar to those encountered during the T20 World Cup in the USA last year.
Gaddafi Stadium Delays
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is particularly behind schedule. Key issues include:
- Lack of floodlights.
- No sheds or proper seating arrangements for fans.
- Poor progress in field preparation.
Given the current state of the stadium, it seems unlikely that the January 25 deadline will be met.
India-Pakistan Hybrid Model
The Champions Trophy has also been surrounded by political tension. The PCB engaged in extensive negotiations with the ICC to secure India’s participation in the tournament on Pakistani soil. However, the BCCI refused to send Team India to Pakistan due to security concerns. As a compromise, a hybrid model was agreed upon, with India playing its matches in Dubai while the rest of the tournament remains in Pakistan.
