The readiness of the three host stadiums in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy is at risk, as construction is lagging behind schedule with only five weeks remaining until Pakistan's first major ICC event in nearly three decades.

Ongoing construction is taking place at the National Stadium in Karachi, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The ICC is increasingly concerned about the progress of these venues and is preparing to dispatch a task force to assess the situation and devise potential contingency plans.

A source from the Times of India commented, "The situation is quite disappointing. All three stadiums are significantly unprepared, and this is not merely renovation or refurbishment; it involves substantial construction work. There remains a considerable amount of work to be done, including seating, floodlights, facilities, and even the outfield and playing surfaces."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is operating under a deadline of December 31 to complete preparations for the three stadiums, with the handover date to the ICC set for February 12, which is fast approaching. Given the ongoing disputes with India and the BCCI's decision to relocate their matches to the UAE, Pakistan is under considerable pressure to ensure that preparations proceed without further complications.

The source elaborated on the reasons for the delays, highlighting persistent challenges. "The weather conditions are not conducive for rapid construction and finishing work. At Gaddafi, even the plastering is not yet finished. A significant amount of time is consumed by the finishing touches, particularly for areas such as dressing rooms, which cannot simply be makeshift spaces for an ICC event."

‘It’s a no-brainer…'

Pakistan last hosted a significant international tournament during the 1996 World Cup and has encountered ongoing issues with its stadiums. The International Cricket Council (ICC) remains cautious about the circumstances, aiming to avoid the logistical challenges experienced in the United States during the previous year's T20 World Cup.

"The ICC has established a checklist that must be fulfilled. The National Stadium has opted not to complete the new enclosure due to time constraints," the source elaborated.

Regarding the possibility of relocating the tournament at the last minute if the stadiums are not adequately prepared, the source remarked, "It is evident what would occur if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) fails to meet deadlines and the venues do not satisfy the ICC's requirements. The tournament cannot proceed at partially prepared venues. The upcoming week will provide further insight into the situation, but both the PCB and ICC must collaborate effectively to achieve a successful outcome."

PCB releases statement

The PCB promptly addressed any apprehensions by issuing a press release that assured stakeholders that the stadiums are progressing well towards readiness for the new deadline of January 25.

Additionally, the PCB revealed that the forthcoming tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa will now take place in Lahore and Karachi, facilitating the preparation of the stadiums for the Champions Trophy. This series was initially planned to occur exclusively in Multan.

The PCB affirmed that the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be prepared in time for its inauguration at the end of January, benefiting from a substantial increase in capacity. In contrast, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is undergoing minor modifications and is anticipated to be ready shortly.

“The PCB is fully dedicated to ensuring that all venues are equipped to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other international fixtures,” the press release stated. “With over 250 workers tirelessly engaged to meet the January 25 deadline, the PCB is optimistic that the enhancements will enrich the fan experience and reinforce Pakistan’s status as a leading cricketing hub.”

The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to commence with a group stage match between the host nation Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19.

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