Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Chief Provides Update On Renovation Of Venues
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore [X]
Pakistan Cricket Board's chairman Mohsin Naqvi informed that 12.8 billion rupees have been allocated for the renovation of stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy next year. Speaking at the Board of Governors meeting in Faisalabad, Naqvi stated that these venue would be ready in time to host the showpiece event.
Giving details of the fund distribution, Naqvi said 7.7 billion rupees out of 12.8 billion are being spent on the upgradation of the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore.
PCB Chief Gives Details On Renovation Expenditure
The allocated budget for Gaddafi stadium involves 1,100 million rupees for the construction of a steel-structured pavilion, 3,471 million rupees for a concrete office building, 1,250 million rupees for the steel structure of the enclosure, 189 million rupees for a moat, and 330 million rupees for the replacement of two LED digital screens.
375 million rupees have been allocated for the installation of seats, while 93 million rupees will be spent for external development works. The board is also replacing floodlights with 480 LED lights at Gaddafi Stadium at a cost of 523 million rupees.
The PCB has earmarked 3.5 billion rupees for renovating the National Stadium in Karachi including the new construction. This includes 1,500 million rupees for the steel structure of the pavilion building, 580 million rupees for renovating the main building and hospitality boxes, 330 million rupees for two new LED digital screens, 490 million rupees for replacing floodlights with 450 LED lights, and 340 million rupees for seat installation.
The construction work at Rawalpindi Stadium is estimated to cost 1.5 billion rupees including 393 million rupees for replacing floodlights with 350 LED lights and 400 million rupees for renovating the main building, hospitality boxes, and restrooms. An additional fund of 330 million rupees have been allocated for replacing two LED digital screens, with 272 million rupees being spent on new seating installations.
Champions Trophy To Stay In Pakistan, Confirms ICC CEO
Meanwhile, ICC's Chief Executive Geoff Allardice has revealed that the Champions Trophy will be hosted in Pakistan despite the BCCI's negative stance. As the BCCI hasn't received the Indian Government's approval, India are doubtful to travel to the neighbouring country for the marquee event. However, after the ICC's confirmation, the Men in Blue might be forced to feature in the competition on Pakistani soil.
(Inputs From PTI)