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With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just weeks away, preparations are in full swing for the much-anticipated tournament. However, the readiness of the stadiums in Pakistan has become a major concern, putting pressure on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to ensure the venues meet international standards in time.
While Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium has seen continuous updates regarding its renovations, recent reports from Karachi’s National Stadium indicate that critical finishing touches are still incomplete. This has raised doubts over whether the venue will be fully prepared before the tournament kicks off.
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Upgradation Work at Karachi’s National Stadium Still Ongoing
The PCB has confirmed that civil work at Karachi’s National Stadium is complete, but the final finishing work is only 80% done. The board remains confident that the venue will be ready ahead of the upcoming tri-series between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, which serves as a dress rehearsal for the Champions Trophy.
Key Developments:
✅ Civil engineering tasks completed
✅ New building’s front glass installation underway
✅ Floodlight installation starts January 29
✅ Replay screens arriving from Dubai in coming days
✅ Air conditioning system tested, pending final checks
✅ Furniture installation for VIP boxes within two days
Additionally, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is actively working on stadium maintenance, including trash removal and roof cleaning.
Karachi Set to Host Champions Trophy Opener
Despite ongoing work, Karachi’s National Stadium is set to host three key matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including the opening match on February 19 between Pakistan and New Zealand.
📅 Karachi’s Champions Trophy Fixtures:
- 🏏 February 19 – Pakistan 🆚 New Zealand (Opening Match)
- 🏏 February 21 – Afghanistan 🆚 South Africa
- 🏏 March 1 – England 🆚 South Africa
Additionally, Karachi will also host two matches in the tri-series before the tournament, allowing teams to acclimate to conditions.
First ICC Tournament in Pakistan Since 1996
The Champions Trophy 2025 marks Pakistan’s first ICC event since the 1996 Cricket World Cup, making it a significant occasion for the country. However, with stadium preparations still incomplete, PCB faces intense scrutiny.
Adding to the complexity, India will play all their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model, further highlighting the challenges of hosting an ICC event in Pakistan.
With the clock ticking, PCB must accelerate its efforts to ensure that stadiums are fully operational and meet international standards before the tournament begins. Will Karachi and other venues be ready in time? The next few weeks will be crucial in answering that question.
