LAHORE: The ongoing construction work at Gaddafi Stadium is now in its final stages to ensure the venue is fully prepared for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
According to the PCB Director of Infrastructure, Qazi Jawad Ahmed, renovations are progressing on schedule.
Finishing work is underway on the first floor of the office building, while other pavilion floors are being developed simultaneously.
Ahmed clarified that the Far End Building, deemed structurally sound, was not demolished but is undergoing extensive refurbishment to align its appearance with the rest of the stadium.
The renovation of this section is expected to be completed within two weeks.
Work on the floodlights is progressing as planned, with one screen stand already installed and the second nearing completion.
Additionally, the seating upgrade is well underway. Imported white and green chairs, symbolising Pakistan's national colours, will be installed promptly upon arrival.
It is pertinent to mention that the International Cricket Council (ICC), on December 24, 2024, announced the highly anticipated schedule for the men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan.
The eight-team tournament, consisting of 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9 across three venues: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, as well as Dubai.
The eight participating teams are divided into two groups. Group A comprises Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.
Hosts Pakistan will face New Zealand in the curtain-raiser on February 19 in Karachi. The highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
Pakistan will host a total of 10 matches in their home venues, while four matches, including all three of India's group-stage games and the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.
The final of the tournament is scheduled to be held in Lahore; however, if India qualifies, the final will also take place in Dubai.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.
