Gaddafi Stadium gets final touches as Champions Trophy looms

The venue has been equipped with two new state-of-the-art screens

January 24, 2025
Gaddafi Stadium. -PCB

LAHORE: The ongoing renovation of the Gaddafi Stadium here took a major stride on Friday as the venue received final touches ahead of the highly-anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to commence on February 19.

As per the latest development, a new road is being constructed which will link the main building of the venue to the stadium, while two new state-of-the-art screens have been installed, which will offer a clear and improved viewing experience to the spectators.

Furthermore, a captivating light show is also being planned to entertain fans during the eight-team tournament.

The testing of the light show is underway, along with the activation of the newly installed LED floodlights on all six towers of the stadium.

Meanwhile, the waste piled up during the renovation process is expected to be cleared within the next two to three days.

It is worth noting that the stadium’s renovation has been completed in a remarkable span of just five months, in line with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s vision to elevate the venue as per the standards of other iconic stadia in the world.

In a gesture of appreciation, Naqvi also expressed gratitude to the workers for their hard work and dedication in completing the renovation on time.

After the final touches, the stadium will host two matches of the upcoming tri-nation series between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa next month.

For the unversed, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is set to host at least four exciting matches during the Champions Trophy 2025, including the second semi-final, scheduled on March 5.

The venue may as well host the final of the eight-team tournament on March 9 if India do not qualify for the blockbuster contest.

ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule:

19 February, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan

20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai

21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan

22 February, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan

23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai

24 February, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

26 February, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan

27 February, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

28 February, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan

1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan

2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai

4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai

5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan

9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)

10 March, Reserve day

All matches will be day-night encounters

Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.

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