Mohsin Naqvi inspects Gaddafi Stadium renovations ahead of Champions Trophy

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, conducted a visit to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday to oversee ongoing renovation work, despite it being a public holiday. His inspection focused on the demolition of offices within the stadium premises, tasking officials with completing this phase by June 30.

Naqvi emphasized the need to accelerate the renovation pace, directing for increased machinery and labor deployment post Eid holidays to meet the set deadlines. He also confirmed plans for upgrading the National Bank Stadium in Karachi and Rawalpindi Stadium, alongside Gaddafi Stadium, ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.

“The speed of the work needs to be increased and it should be done within the [given] time frame by investing additional resources. Upgradation of National Bank Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Stadium along with Gaddafi Stadium will be completed before the Champions Trophy," Naqvi said.

Recently, PCB submitted the schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for final approval. The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will be hosted across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Lahore will host seven matches, including the final, while Karachi's National Stadium will hold the opening match and a semi-final, with a total of three matches scheduled there. Rawalpindi is set to host five matches, including a semi-final.

This event marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, last held in 2017 when Pakistan clinched victory over India in the final. The participating teams confirmed for the 2025 tournament include hosts Pakistan, India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh.