ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB guarantees Gaddafi Stadium handover to ICC on this date after delay

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shared a video showcasing the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, just three weeks before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The video of the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium comes amid speculation about Pakistan’s preparedness to host the upcoming tournament.

Pakistan is set to host the upcoming white-ball ICC event. The three main venues—National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium—are still undergoing construction and upgrades. All three venues must be completed and handed over to the ICC by February 1.

Watch: PCB Unveils Video of Newly Renovated Gaddafi Stadium

There has been significant scrutiny over the PCB's readiness to host the event due to incomplete stadium renovations. In response, the PCB is eager to showcase its progress and recently shared a video of the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.

“Unveiling the stunning new-look Gaddafi Stadium! Under the lights, it's a sight to behold! ONE WORD to describe your excitement after seeing this breathtaking view? We can't wait to welcome fans, officials and teams for the tri-nation series & #ChampionsTrophy @ICC @ICCMediaComms,” wrote PCB on their X (formerly known as Twitter) account as they shared the video with their fans.

You can watch the clip below:

آئی سی سی چیمپئنز ٹرافی ٹورنامنٹ۔ راولپنڈی کرکٹ سٹیڈیم مین پویلین اور میڈیا باکسز کی اپ گریڈیشن کا کام

انکلوژرز میں کرسیوں کی تنصیب کا کام آخری مرحلے میں

چئیرمین پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ محسن نقوی کا راولپنڈی کرکٹ سٹیڈیم کا دورہ

چئیرمین پی سی بی محسن نقوی نے اپ گریڈیشن پراجیکٹ پر… pic.twitter.com/5e3QUrqhCL

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) January 29, 2025

Gaddafi Stadium Set to Be Handed Over to ICC for Champions Trophy 2025 on February 11

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be handed over to the ICC on February 11, just over a week before the start of the ODI Champions Trophy. The handover will occur after Pakistan's tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.

ICC had set January 31 as the deadline for the handover of all three venues — Gaddafi Stadium, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Stadium — which will host the tournament in Pakistan.

A PCB source told PTI that final touches were being applied to Gaddafi Stadium. The source acknowledged that the stadium had been a construction site and noted that some rubble remained, which would be cleared soon. After six months of renovation work, the stadium is now nearing completion.

"...this has been a construction site and there will be some rubble, which will be removed shortly. This stadium has taken shape after six months of work," said the source.

Pakistan Cricket Board Has Reportedly Invested Around 1.2 Billion Pakistani Rupees

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi inspected Rawalpindi Stadium on January 28, but reports from Pakistan’s ‘Dawn’ suggest that the board may not meet the January 31 deadline for the Champions Trophy venue readiness.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly invested around 1.2 billion Pakistan rupees in upgrading and constructing new buildings at Karachi and Lahore venues. At Gaddafi Stadium, seating capacity was increased with new chairs, and 480 modern LED lights were added to enhance broadcast quality.

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB plans blockbuster opening ceremonies, full schedule for events leaked