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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly unhappy with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the world’s governing body may shift the entire ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to the UAE because of the three venues The renovation work is yet to be completed in Pakistan.
According to a report by Revsportz, renovation works at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the host venue for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, are “behind schedule”. However, some insiders are downplaying the situation, claiming it is not the main cause for alarm.
PCB under pressure to complete stadium renovations as ICC warns of possible relocation of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The 2025 Champions Trophy will be played in Karachi on February 19, while Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the first match between Australia and England on February 22. .
Initially, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) gave a deadline of December 31 to complete the renovation work, but the deadline was extended to January 25. Gaddafi Stadium will be ready for ICC by February 1.
As for the other two venues – the new stadium in Karachi and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi both look better. Rawalpindi is almost ready while Karachi is making final preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Lahore remains biggest problem for PCB and ICC
Lahore remains the biggest focus for the PCB and ICC, with the renovation work progressing at a rapid pace as workers work day and night, but a lot of effort is still required to meet the deadline.
It is said that the Pakistan Cricket Board may not hand over the Gaddafi Stadium to the ICC until after the upcoming ODI Tri series, which features Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa.
This ODI three-series will begin on February 8 with the first two games being played in Lahore. Some insiders blame the delay on the ‘jugaad’ culture as the work went into full swing only six months ago, despite the PCB being awarded hosting rights three years ago.
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Don’t worry, it will be done: Rashid Latif
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif assured that the renovation work in Rawalpindi and Karachi has been completed. He also revealed that the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is being rebuilt from scratch, which is why it is 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 1st Tak Ho Jayega (Pindi and Karachi). According to them (PCB), the work in Lahore will be completed by February 1. In fact, they are rebuilding Gaddafi Stadium from scratch. So much time.”
It is worth noting that the reconstruction work of the Gaddafi Stadium is progressing rapidly, but the fog is another major setback with only half of the chairs installed in Lahore.
The Pakistan board spent PKR 12 billion to renovate three stadiums but failed to provide a clear explanation behind the delay as the International Criminal Court (ICC) gave some leeway.
