The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a significant announcement ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, revealing plans to upgrade three major stadiums in the country. This decision comes as a boost for the cricket-loving nation, as Pakistan prepares to host the prestigious ICC event in 2025.
Mohsin Naqvi, recently appointed as the chairman of PCB, unveiled the plans which include upgrading Karachi’s National Stadium, now renamed as the National Bank Cricket Arena, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and Rawalpindi Stadium. The upgrades will encompass a new design plan and an increase in seating capacity to meet the requirements of hosting an ICC event.
“The upgrade of all three stadiums will be completed before the Champions Trophy,” stated Naqvi. He further elaborated, “In the second phase, the design plan for the upgrade of National Cricket Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be prepared and work will commence.”
Naqvi emphasized the improvement of facilities for cricket fans and assured that seating capacity would be expanded as needed. He also highlighted the enhancements planned for the boxes at Gaddafi Stadium, ensuring that the upgrade work would be carried out with both quality and efficiency.
This decision comes on the heels of Pakistan’s successful hosting of the Asia Cup 2023, albeit in a hybrid model due to the intervention of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), resulting in matches being primarily held in Sri Lanka.
Despite these challenges, PCB’s successful organization of the full edition of the Pakistan Super League 2024 within Pakistan, as it approaches the playoff stages, demonstrates the nation’s capability and readiness to host major cricket events. With the planned upgrades to its stadiums, Pakistan is poised to deliver a memorable and world-class experience for cricket fans during the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
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