ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Tournament in jeopardy? ‘Behind schedule’ Pakistan sends ICC into panic mode
Published - 27 Jan 2025, 06:31 PM | Updated - 27 Jan 2025, 11:36 PM
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly not happy with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the world’s governing body may shift the entire ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to the UAE, as the renovation work at the three venues has not yet finished in Pakistan.
According to a report in RevSportz, the renovation works at the host venues for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, especially Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, are “behind schedule.”. However, some insiders are downplaying the situation, claiming it’s not a major cause for alarm.
PCB faces pressure to complete stadium renovations as ICC warns of possible relocation of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to kick off on February 19 in Karachi, while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the first match in the tournament between Australia and England on February 22. On the other hand, India will play its matches in Dubai, UAE.
Originally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was given the deadline to complete the renovation work by December 31, but the deadline was extended to January 25. Now, a RevSportz report claimed that the PCB asked for a few more days, but they assured the ICC that Gaddafi Stadium would be ready by February 1.
As for the other two venues—National Stadium in Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi—things are looking better. Rawalpindi is almost ready, while Karachi is putting the finishing touches on its preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Lahore remains the biggest concern for PCB and ICC
Lahore remains the biggest concern for both the PCB and ICC, with renovation work progressing at a fast pace as the workers are working both day and night but still requiring significant effort to meet the deadline.
It is being said that the Pakistan Cricket Board might not hand over Gaddafi Stadium to the ICC until after the upcoming ODI Tri-Series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
This ODI Tri-Series will get underway on February 8, with the first two matches set to be held in Lahore. Some insiders are blaming the delay on the "jugaad" culture, as the work only started in full force six months ago despite the PCB being given the hosting rights three years ago.
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Don’t worry, it will be done: Rashid Latif
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif reassured that the renovation work in Rawalpindi and Karachi is complete. He also revealed that the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is being rebuilt from scratch, which is why it's taking longer.
Rashid Latif was quoted as saying by the same website, “Fikr nahi, ho jayega (don’t worry, it will be done). Pindi aur Karachi toh ho gaya hai. Aur bol toh raha hai Lahore bhi February 1 tak ho jayega (Pindi and Karachi are already done). According to them (PCB), the work in Lahore will be complete by February 1. Actually, they are rebuilding the Gaddafi Stadium from scratch. That’s why it’s taking so much time.”
Notably, the redevelopment work at Gaddafi Stadium is progressing quickly, but foggy weather has been a major setback, and only half the chairs have been installed in Lahore.
The Pakistan board has spent 12 billion Pakistani rupees to renovate three stadiums but failed to provide a clear explanation behind the delay as the ICC is supporting the country with some leeway.
