The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 19, closely approaching an estimated 40 days ahead. However, the hybrid format for the tournament means India will play all its matches – knockout rounds included, should it qualify – in Dubai. Meanwhile, a report stated that the three stadiums in Pakistan – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi- disappointment:
It is really very disheartening. All the three stadiums are not ready at all, and what we have here is not a renovation or refurbishment; it is proper construction underway. There is so much left over with respect to seats, floodlights, facilities, and even the outfield and playing surfaces,” another source was quoted as saying by Times of India.
“The weather is not exactly good for any kind of construction or finishing that can go quickly. Even at Gadaffi, the plaster work is not yet complete. They are taking so much time in finishing work because we are considering dressing rooms, etc. They just cannot be ad-hoc rooms/enclosures for an ICC event. ICC has a checklist that needs to be fulfilled. National Stadium has decided not to completely finish the new enclosure because of the time factor.”
More often than not, any host country for an international event just lets the venues to ICC so as to do their quality check and put in place whatever is necessary.
“PCBs can’t expect any miracles if they miss deadlines on the venues and the venues fail ICC checklist. The tournament cannot be played at semi-ready venues. Next week will offer more clarity on the future but PCB and ICC together need to pull off a miracle,” the report said.
A report published in IANS said that from now on, both Lahore and Karachi would serve as the venues for the upcoming men’s ODI tri-series after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the news. This is as the venues are nearing completion of significant upgrades towards hosting matches of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
An initial plan for the event schedule will be in Multan, where the tri-series will feature the cricket teams of New Zealand and South Africa alongside Pakistan. PCB, however, revealed that since Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium would already be available at advanced stages of preparations, it would now host the goteborgen even in these two venues.
In that regard, the PCB has assured fans, spectators and media in a detailed update as to the significant temporary upgrade works progress and are expected to be accurate according to the designed time within all the venues.
Comments are closed.