LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday, paid a surprise visit to Gaddafi Stadium here to oversee the ongoing renovation process at the venue for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held from February 19 to March 9.
According to the details, the PCB chair inspected the ongoing finishing process of the building and instructed to complete it at the earliest, while also emphasising the need to complete the drainage work in within the stipulated period.
Naqvi expressed his satisfaction with the progress and announced that the venue will be ready to host the eight-team tournament’s matches by this month.
“The reconstruction of the stadium for the Champions Trophy tournament is in full swing. By the will of Almighty Allah, Gaddafi Stadium equipped with modern facilities will be completed this month,” said Naqvi.
For the unversed, to enhance the fans’ experience during the multi-lateral event, new seats and state-of-the-art LED screens are also being installed at the venue.
“New chairs and new LED lights are being installed for cricket fans. They will also be able to enjoy the laser light show along with the match,” Naqvi shared.
“PCB is determined to make the Champions Trophy a memorable event,” he concluded.
It is pertinent to mention that Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host at least four Champions Trophy matches including the second semi-final, scheduled on March 5.
The venue will also host the final of the eight-team tournament if India do not qualify, otherwise the high-stakes fixture will be played in Dubai.
Furthermore, it will also host the tri-nation series involving New Zealand and South Africa, alongside Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, which is also undergoing revamp for the tournament.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.
