Champions Trophy 2025: PCB chief provides update on stadium renovation
'Yes, there have been some delays but we are determined to get it done as soon as possible,” admits Mohsin Naqvi
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi provided an update regarding the stadium renovation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which will be hosted by Pakistan.
Naqvi held a presser on Sunday where he admitted that the stadium renovation project has seen some delays but the work is going on smoothly and they will try to get it done in four to five months.
“The stadium upgrading work is going on rapidly. Yes, there have been some delays but we are determined to get it done as soon as possible,” Naqvi said. “We have a three-member committee that is exclusively working on that. There is a director infrastructure, director international cricket and the remaining is director domestic cricket.”
He also added that international companies will visit Pakistan on May 7 after which they will contact local consultants to finalise the designs of the stadium ahead of the mega event.
“On May 7, we have an international bid where top international companies who have expertise in upgrading stadiums will visit us. They will help us in designing and then we will collaborate with local consultants and try to get it done within four to five months,” he added.
"Our goal, if you look at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, it is very good but when you are watching [from the stands], it doesn’t give a cricketing view. Some problems have been present for a long time, we have to upgrade the facilities inside the stadiums. Karachi’s stadium is in the worst condition.
"We want the complete Champions Trophy in Pakistan. We have already submitted the schedule to the ICC. The ICC security team came to Pakistan and they were very happy with the arrangements."
Remember, Naqvi attended the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 final between Islamabad United and Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, after which it was decided that four major stadiums — Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi — in Pakistan will be upgraded massively before the commencement of the Champions Trophy.
It must be noted that the event will mark the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year gap since its last occurrence in 2017, which Pakistan won by beating India in the final.
The teams confirmed for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy are:
Pakistan (hosts), India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, Bangladesh
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