New Delhi:
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is under intense scrutiny as it races against time to complete the renovation of cricket stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Despite assurances from the PCB, the slow progress of the renovation work has raised significant concerns about the readiness of these venues.
The PCB has a tight deadline of January 31 to finish all renovation work, a task that now seems almost impossible to achieve. The stadiums, which are also scheduled to host a four-match tri-series featuring New Zealand and South Africa from February 8 to 14, are still far from being ready. This additional commitment has amplified the pressure on the PCB to deliver.
The renovation work at the stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi is significantly behind schedule. Karachi’s National Stadium, in particular, is facing substantial setbacks due to delays in equipment delivery and clearance processes. Bilal Chohan, overseeing the renovations in Karachi, has expressed frustration over the delays, highlighting the late release of essential panels from the Karachi Port, which has further hindered the progress.
The PCB has invested a substantial amount of approximately PKR 12 billion in the renovation and installation of modern facilities across the three stadiums. However, despite this massive investment, the pace of work remains a major concern. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reassured the public that the Champions Trophy will proceed as planned, but the ground reality tells a different story.
The logistical challenges, including labor shortages and security issues, have compounded the problems. The ICC, meanwhile, has begun ticket sales for the Pakistan leg of the Champions Trophy, despite the unfinished renovation work. This move has added to the anxiety, as fans are left wondering if the promised ‘world-class experience’ will be delivered.
India, which will play all its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, is not directly affected by these delays, but the other participating teams will be based in Pakistan, making the situation even more critical. The presence of an ICC delegation in Pakistan, including broadcast, hospitality, and event operations officials, has been cited by the PCB as evidence that the event is on track, but the visual evidence and reports from the ground paint a different picture.
The ICC has fixed the minimum ticket price for the Champions Trophy at PKR 1000, with premium tickets starting at PKR 1500. Fans have been advised to register on the ICC’s official website to purchase tickets, but the uncertainty surrounding the stadiums’ readiness continues to cast a shadow over the event.
The recent resignation of ICC CEO Geoff Allardice, reportedly due to his inability to provide a clear assessment of Pakistan’s preparedness, has further highlighted the gravity of the situation. As the clock ticks down to the start of the Champions Trophy on February 19, the PCB and the ICC are under increasing pressure to ensure that the event proceeds smoothly and meets the promised standards.
