ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan on a time bomb as ICC Delegation closely watches Stadium Construction

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is closely monitoring the construction of the three venues for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to take place in February and March. There have been no concerns raised by the International Cricket Council delegations regarding the progress of the stadiums.

Pakistan is set to host the prestigious white-ball event for the first time since co-hosting the 1996 ODI World Cup. However, it was reported that the three venues designated for the Champions Trophy are still undergoing construction and upgrades, despite only about a month remaining before the event begins.

PCB Assures Fans, Spectators, and Media Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The National Stadium in Karachi, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host matches. These venues are required to be fully completed and handed over to the ICC by February 12, 2025. However, construction and upgrades, which began in August 2024, are facing delays.

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board shared updates about the renovation progress at the three venues. This announcement came amid reports suggesting that the cricket board was struggling to complete the renovations on time, raising concerns about meeting the set schedule.

The PCB "assured the fans, spectators and media that all upgradation work was progressing on schedule and will be completed before or around the set deadlines".

ICC Keeping a Close Eye on the Construction of All Three Venues

The ICC is closely monitoring the construction progress of the three venues for the Champions Trophy. According to a report by Sports Tak, no concerns have been raised by ICC delegations so far.

"ICC is keeping a close eye on the construction of all three venues. As of now there have been no concerns raised by the ICC delegations. There are always contingency plans available for tournaments like these but they won't be required," a source close to the development told Sports Tak.

Teams Expected to Arrive in Pakistan From February 12

The responsibility for preparing the venues, including the pitches, lies with the host, but the ICC pitch manager oversees the work if necessary. Pakistan has set a new deadline for venue completion on January 25, which was originally December 31. The ICC's support period is scheduled to begin on January 12.

Teams are expected to arrive in Pakistan starting February 12 for the Champions Trophy. New Zealand is likely to be the first team to arrive, as they will play in the opening match of the mega tournament. Bangladesh, alongside Team India, will travel to Dubai, UAE, for their opening match on February 20.

Team India will play a practice match in Dubai, though the date and opponent are yet to be confirmed. Dubai is the neutral venue for the tournament under the hybrid model, where all of India's matches and one semi-final will take place.

The Gaddafi Stadium will host both the second semi-final and the final. If India qualifies for the final of the Champions Trophy, it will be played in Dubai.

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