ICC Champions Trophy 2025 set to go out of Pakistan as Stadium Renovation deemed 'Absolutely Impossible'

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just a few days away from its start and there are growing concerns over the stadiums' readiness. In a shocking update, the renovation of the stadiums is impossible to complete before the tournament.

The Champions Trophy will be played in three stadiums inside Pakistan - Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. The opening match will be played in Karachi while the final will be played either at Lahore or Dubai, depending upon India's availability.

A few months ago, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi announced the upgradation work of these stadiums and vowed to make them world-class before the historic occasion. The construction work started just in August 2024, leaving just 8 months to prepare them.

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Trouble for PCB regarding stadiums' upgradation

According to Pakistan's English newspaper Dawn, the upgradation work of the stadiums will not be completed within the deadline. However, the personnel has already handed over the stadium's responsibility with full confidence.

“Tt seems absolutely impossible to contemplate the renovation work being completed within the deadline, but the personnel handed the responsibility are beaming with confidence," the report claimed.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi examined the stadium in Rawalpindi on January 28 (Tuesday). The board take control of all the renovated venues by the deadline of January 31. However, it remains to be seen whether the work gets completed by the deadline.

A source close to the stadium's construction claimed that the stadiums will be ready to host matches, however, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to provide the world-class experience or not.

“Look, the stadiums will be in a shape to host matches but the question is the PCB has promised everyone a world-class experience at these renovated venues for the Tri-series and Champions Trophy and whether they can deliver on that promise remains to be seen," the source was quoted as saying by PTI.

Why is the work delayed?

The man responsible for all the upgradation work, Bilal Chohan, has complained about not getting the required equipment on time which has caused a delay in the work.

The panels that will be installed in the new building area were supposed to be released from Karachi port on Sunday night and the installation was supposed to be on the next morning.

Pakistan Cricket Board has spent a big sum of PKR 12 million on the renovation work in all three stadiums at Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. The PCB chief wants to make it a historic occasion as it is the first ICC tournament in Pakistan after 29 years.

Tri-series before ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Before the Champions Trophy, Lahore and Karachi will also host a tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand. Both the grounds will host two games each.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will begin with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. While all the teams will play in Pakistan, India will play its matches in Dubai according to the hybrid model.