Gaddafi stadium is ready for Champions Trophy Pakistan Cricket Board

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is now fully prepared to host international cricket matches following extensive renovations, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday. The stadium’s upgrades were completed in a record 117 days, just in time for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

In an official statement, the PCB highlighted the stadium’s enhanced facilities, which include new floodlights, upgraded hospitality boxes, increased seating capacity, modern electronic scoreboards, and state-of-the-art LED towers. These improvements aim to provide a world-class experience for players and spectators alike.

The revamped stadium will host its first major event on February 8, when Pakistan takes on New Zealand in the opening match of a tri-series that also features South Africa. This match will serve as a test run for the venue ahead of the Champions Trophy.

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi expressed his gratitude to the teams involved in the renovation process. “I am grateful to all those who worked day and night to complete the stadium on time, despite the challenges and criticism,” he said.

Earlier reports had suggested that the PCB was running behind schedule, with delays of at least five weeks. However, the board managed to meet the deadline, as the stadiums must be handed over to the ICC by February 12. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin a week later.

To mark the occasion, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will officially inaugurate the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday in a grand ceremony. The event will feature live performances by renowned artists, including Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, and Arif Lohar.

A similar inauguration ceremony will be held at Karachi’s National Stadium on February 11, with Pakistan President Asif Zardari expected to attend.

Naqvi also acknowledged the efforts of the nearly 1,000 workers who contributed to the project. “I am especially grateful to the workers who made this dream possible,” he said. He also promised an improved viewing experience for fans, with elevated seating and the removal of high fencing around the ground.

The PCB had initially allocated 12.8 billion rupees for the renovation of three stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. However, the final costs reportedly exceeded 18 billion rupees. Despite the increased expenditure, the board confirmed that the projects were funded entirely through PCB resources, without any financial assistance from external sources, including the government.

Naqvi emphasized that the state-of-the-art facilities would significantly benefit Pakistan cricket in the long run, providing a platform for hosting more international events and enhancing the overall experience for players and fans.