PCB Relocates Tri-Series to Lahore and Karachi Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- January 10, 2025
- 9:18 am
- 34
- Sports
PCB relocates the tri-series to Lahore and Karachi, marking a significant step in preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The ODI tri-series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, will now take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi instead of Multan Cricket Stadium. This decision highlights the PCB's confidence in the upgraded venues, which are nearing completion after extensive renovations.
Major Upgrades at Gaddafi and National Bank Stadiums
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore now boasts enhanced spectator capacity, with seating increased to 35,000. Workers have installed 480 LED lights to improve broadcast quality and two massive digital replay screens to elevate the match-day experience. Furthermore, the venue includes a brand-new hospitality enclosure designed to provide exceptional amenities for players and officials.
Meanwhile, Karachi’s National Bank Stadium has undergone significant transformations. The addition of 350 LED lights and two digital replay screens ensures better broadcast visibility. Moreover, 5,000 new seats offer greater comfort for spectators, while a newly built hospitality enclosure at the University End creates a more welcoming space for players and staff.
Preparations for ICC Champions Trophy
As Pakistan gears up to host its first ICC event in nearly three decades, these renovations underline the importance of delivering world-class facilities. Renovation efforts in both Lahore and Karachi are advancing rapidly, ensuring that these venues will meet the highest international standards.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, another key venue for the ICC Champions Trophy, has seen upgrades as well. Workers have added 10,000 chairs, enhanced hospitality boxes, and installed two digital replay screens. While Lahore and Karachi paused competitive cricket during their renovations, Rawalpindi hosted a match late last year, ensuring minimal disruption to the cricketing calendar.
International Oversight
Adding to the momentum, an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation recently visited Karachi to evaluate preparations. The team conducted a detailed inspection of the National Bank Stadium, including its five-story building under construction, and assessed various other facilities to ensure readiness for the Champions Trophy.
The PCB has assured fans and the media that all upgrades are progressing as planned. With Gaddafi Stadium slated for inauguration in the last week of January, anticipation continues to build for both the tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy. Additional updates about the series and tournament will follow soon.
