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With the ICC Champions Trophy just a month away, Pakistan’s preparations for hosting the prestigious event appear alarmingly behind schedule. The designated venues—National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium—are far from completion, raising concerns about Pakistan’s ability to host the event as planned.
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Construction Delays at Key Venues
The construction work at these stadiums, which began in August 2024, was initially scheduled for completion by December 31, 2024. However, essential renovations and upgrades, including seating, floodlights, playing surfaces, and player facilities, remain unfinished.
Heavy construction at Karachi and Lahore, such as multi-storied enclosures for dressing rooms and hospitality boxes, is still in its early stages. A source familiar with the developments expressed disappointment:
“It’s not just refurbishment but full-scale construction that’s ongoing. There’s so much left—seating, floodlights, playing surfaces, and even the outfield are incomplete.”
ICC’s Concerns and Backup Plans
This isn’t the first time the ICC has encountered infrastructural issues, with similar delays observed during the USA leg of the 2024 T20 World Cup. To prevent a repeat, the ICC is reportedly sending a team to Pakistan this week to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, informal discussions in Dubai have already positioned the UAE as a potential backup host if Pakistan fails to meet the construction deadlines.
Gaddafi Stadium’s Problems Highlight Safety Risks
Gaddafi Stadium, slated to host a semi-final and potentially the final, remains a particular concern. With unfinished plasterwork and rushed construction, questions about structural integrity and player safety have been raised. A source added:
“Most of the time goes into finishing touches—dressing rooms, for example, need to meet ICC standards. At Gaddafi, even basic plaster work isn’t done, and National Stadium may abandon some enclosures to save time.”
Decision Looms for ICC and PCB
The ICC is expected to make a final decision in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces immense pressure to deliver on its promises. Without significant progress, the likelihood of moving the tournament to the UAE grows stronger.
The Champions Trophy is a high-profile event, and the ongoing delays in Pakistan’s preparations have cast a shadow on the tournament’s success. Whether the PCB can rally to meet the ICC’s requirements or the event is relocated remains to be seen.
