Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has raised concerns about the substandard condition of the country’s stadiums, saying they fall short of international standards. While reviewing the renovation progress at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi emphasized the stark difference between Pakistan’s stadiums and global venues, underscoring the need for major improvements ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.
The PCB has committed Rs12.8 billion to revamp Karachi’s National Stadium, Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium, and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to prepare for the event. Naqvi mentioned that the renovation work is being conducted at a rapid pace, led by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), with the goal of making these arenas among the best in the world. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allocated a budget of around $70 million to cover tournament-related expenses, including preparations set to begin in February 2025.
In the meantime, the PCB has already shifted the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing renovations. Naqvi also revealed that a building near Gaddafi Stadium has been acquired to be converted into a hotel for teams, though the project’s completion before the Champions Trophy remains uncertain.
Naqvi’s comments highlight the urgency in upgrading facilities as Pakistan looks to host this major international event successfully.
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