Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium Set for CT After Delays

After several delays, the PCB on Thursday announced that the renovation and up-gradations at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium are finally over, which it completed within just 117 days. This stadium is also all geared up to host the ICC Champions Trophy starting from February 19.

The PCB shared that Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium is now better facilitated, and has newer floodlights, more seating space, and new electronic scoreboards. PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi thanks all those people who worked tirelessly day and night to get the stadium ready without any doubts or criticism.

Reports had surfaced earlier that the PCB was already behind schedule by at least five weeks and wouldn't be able to hand over the stadium to the ICC by February 12. Naqvi especially thanked nearly 1,000 workers who made the completion possible. Meanwhile, the stadium will first host the tri-series match against New Zealand on February 8.

Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium Ready for ICC Champions Trophy

The PCB is also set to host a similar inauguration ceremony for the National Stadium in Karachi on February 11, with President Asif Ali Zardari in attendance. Originally, the PCB allocated PKR 12.8 billion for the project, but reports indicate the budget has now surpassed PKR 18 billion.

Massive transformation ✅

Highlights of the stunning upgradation of Gaddafi Stadium 🏟 pic.twitter.com/NUh2cIPKC4

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 6, 2025

Faheem Ashraf's Spot in the Squad Under Scrutiny

Defending champions Pakistan announced their Champions Trophy squad recently, but as expected, there could still be a few changes before the final squad is confirmed. Faheem Ashraf’s inclusion has drawn criticism, and he is likely to be replaced by February 11.

Pakistan Champions Trophy Squad

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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