Many reports have suggested that the Champions Trophy 2025 might be moved out of Pakistan because the stadiums are not ready on time. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium are supposed to hold the matches in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host India’s matches because the team has decided not to travel to Pakistan because of security concerns.
The renovation work at the stadiums in Pakistan for the mega event began in August last year and was supposed to be finished by December 31, but it is still not done. Reportedly, if the stadiums are not ready by February 12, the whole tournament might be moved to the UAE.
It is said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is keeping a close eye on the condition of the three stadiums in Pakistan and that their team hasn’t raised any issues so far.
“All the work (related to stadiums) will be done by the first week of February. Pakistan will successfully host the Champions Trophy. No need to go by any rumors. We are committed to giving our best. There are people who are trying to tarnish Pakistan’s image on social media. We know who all they are and why they are doing this,” a PCB official stated.
On Wednesday, the PCB decided to move the ODI tri-series, which also includes South Africa and New Zealand, from Multan to Karachi and Lahore. They explained that the change was made because preparations at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium were more advanced. These two stadiums will hold six of the 12 group-stage games in the Champions Trophy. The other six matches will be played at Dubai International Stadium.
After a lot of controversy, Pakistan is set to host the first ICC event since the 1996 ODI World Cup. Pakistan will participate in the tournament as the defending champions and will play against New Zealand on February 19.
Read more: “Immoral:” Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy Participation Questioned By South Africa’s Sports Minister
Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
