As Pakistan prepares to host the prestigious Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking significant steps to ensure the success of the event. 

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has given the green light for the upgradation of three key cricket stadiums: Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi's National Stadium, and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium.

This decision was made during Naqvi's visit to the London head office of BDP Pattern, a renowned UK-based architectural firm. 

During his meeting with BDP Chairman Chris Harding and other senior officials, Naqvi was briefed on the extensive renovation plans designed to bring the venues up to international standards.

The move comes just days after sources revealed that renovation work had already commenced at Karachi's National Stadium, which is one of the three selected venues for the Champions Trophy. 

The PCB has allocated a substantial budget of Rs12.80 billion for the upgrade of these stadiums, with the aim of completing the work ahead of the tournament, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

In addition to the PCB's efforts, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a budget of approximately $70 million for the tournament. This budget will cover expenses during the support period, which runs from February 12 to 18. 

The support period will include warm-up matches, media activities, and promotional events, all coordinated in consultation with both the ICC and PCB.

Each participating team will have the opportunity to play up to two warm-up matches, which will also be held in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.

During his visit to the BDP office, Chairman Naqvi expressed satisfaction with the designs for the upgraded stadiums. He emphasized the significance of this project, noting that it marks the first time these venues are being upgraded to accommodate such a large number of cricket fans. 

He also reaffirmed his commitment to overseeing the project personally, ensuring its completion before the start of the Champions Trophy.

"According to the design, completing the construction work of the stadiums within the set timeframe is a major task. Our entire team will work day and night to complete this challenging task as soon as possible. We will complete the upgrade work of all three stadiums before the Champions Trophy. For the first time in history, facilities for cricket fans are being improved on such a large scale in the stadiums. I am personally overseeing this mega project. We will make every effort to complete the work before the designated timeframe," Naqvi said.

BDP Pattern, a company with a rich history of designing stadiums to international standards, has completed around 200 stadium projects globally and has received over 1,000 design quality awards.