The PCB shifted the venue of the ODI tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand from Multan to Karachi and Lahore, based on a request for the postponement of renovation work at the original venues to avoid possible delays before the Champions Trophy next month starting on February 19.
PCB Remains Optimistic
PCB further ensured that work on the preparations for the Champions Trophy is in full swing as renovation work of Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as well as the National Bank Stadium in Karachi is reported to be undertaken on schedule ahead of the expected deadlines. Before this, the social media reflected the progress achieved at the various venues for Champions Trophy in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, including reports of a stadium having certain plaster work pending.
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“The Stadiums Are Far From Ready”
“It is a very disappointing picture. All three stadiums are far from ready and it’s not renovation or refurbishment, but proper construction which is underway. There is so much work left with seats, floodlights, facilities and even the outfield and playing surfaces,” a source was quoted as saying by Times of India.
Big Breaking: Pakistan might be lost the hosting rights of Champions Trophy 🏆 for the worst quality of stadium.#ChampionsTrophy2025
— Manoj Tiwari (@ManojTiwariIND) January 8, 2025
pic.twitter.com/JCzb9rVDuy
“Plaster Work Also Not Done”
“The weather is not ideal for construction and finishing work to happen at a rapid pace. At Gadaffi, even the plaster work isn’t completed yet. And most of the time is taken by finishing work because we are talking about dressing rooms etc. They just can’t be random rooms/enclosures for an ICC event. ICC has a checklist which needs to be met. National Stadium has decided to not completely finish the new enclosure because there is no time.”
What Happens If Construction Is Not Complete?
“It’s a no-brainer on what would happen if PCB misses deadlines and venues don’t meet ICC checklist. Tournament can’t be played at semi-ready venues. The next week will give more clarity on the future but PCB and ICC together need to pull off a miracle,” the report stated.
Traditionally, the venues of such events are passed over to the ICC much before for quality checks and fine-tuning. After upgrades, Gaddafi Stadium’s capacity is now expanded up to 35,000 through installing new seats at all levels, while also having installed 480 cutting-edge LED lights there, which shall make the visuals crisp and improve broadcasting quality besides allowing viewership on television back in their respective homes with much greater precision.
(With PTI Inputs)
