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Gaddafi Stadium Ready As PCB Silences Doubters Ahead Of Champions Trophy Deadline

Soumyajit Dutta

Gaddafi stadium gets match ready ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 deadline [Source: @Huzaifa_Says11/X.com]Gaddafi stadium gets match ready ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 deadline [Source: @Huzaifa_Says11/X.com]

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is officially ready to host international cricket, including the ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation and leaked images suggesting the stadium was in poor condition just a week ago.

The PCB revealed that the renovation and upgradation work at the iconic venue was completed in a record 117 days, ensuring it meets international standards. This development puts an end to concerns about Pakistan’s preparedness for the Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin on February 19.

Gaddafi Stadium Gets Complete Revamp With Enhanced Spectator Experience

The revamped Gaddafi Stadium now features improved seating capacity, modern hospitality boxes, upgraded floodlights, electronic scoreboards, and cutting-edge LED towers. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to those who worked tirelessly to complete the project despite scepticism.

“I am grateful to all those people who put in day and night of work to get the stadium ready on time despite the apprehensions and criticism,” PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi said.

The stadium had been running behind schedule by at least five weeks, raising doubts about its readiness before the February 12 deadline to hand over venues to the ICC. However, the PCB assured that the venue is now fully equipped to host top-tier international fixtures.

New Security Measures Installed To Keep Out Pitch Invaders

As part of its modernization efforts, the PCB has also introduced a deep moat around the stadium’s boundary to prevent pitch invasions. A video circulating on social media recently showcased the newly installed security measure, designed to keep spectators from entering the field during matches.

The Lahore venue is set to host at least four Champions Trophy matches, including a semifinal. If India fails to qualify for the final, Gaddafi Stadium will also host the tournament’s summit clash.

Grand Inauguration Ceremony On The Cards

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will inaugurate the upgraded stadium on Friday, with a grand ceremony featuring live performances by renowned artists, including Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, and Arif Lohar. A similar event is scheduled at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 11, where President Asif Zardari is expected to attend.

The Gaddafi Stadium will be put to the test on February 8 when Pakistan faces New Zealand in the opening match of a tri-series, also featuring South Africa.