PCB's initiative to upgrade stadiums for Champions Trophy, not ICC's directive: report

The refurbishment and construction of portions of three stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were undertaken voluntarily and were not mandated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for hosting the upcoming Champions Trophy next year, as confirmed by a local media report.

The PCB, despite the significant costs amounting to billions, initiated these projects just seven months prior to the scheduled Champions Trophy in February-March 2025.

 A spokesperson cited in the report mentioned that while the ICC had deemed all three stadiums — Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi — suitable for hosting matches, the upgrades were necessary to meet international standards.

Notably, Gaddafi Stadium saw the construction of new pavilions recently, preserving its historic entrance, although major structural reconstruction was underway. Meanwhile, preparations for demolition at National Stadium and commencement of work at Pindi Stadium were imminent. The estimated cost for these projects totals between three to four billion rupees.

Earlier, under Najam Sethi's tenure as PCB chairman in 2016-17, the National Stadium underwent refurbishment costing approximately one billion rupees.

Currently, all PCB officials' offices have been relocated to the National Cricket Academy, while the PCB awaits architectural designs from a UK-based firm for the stadium constructions.

These projects pose a significant challenge for the PCB to complete before the Champions Trophy, especially with upcoming Test series scheduled against Bangladesh in August and England in October, adding to the time pressure.