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Endless Trouble For ICC! Pakistan's Preparations For Champions Trophy Lagging Behind

Sakshi Sharma∙ Updated: Jan 8 2025, 2:29 PM

Construction work for Champions Trophy 2025 (Source:@RRCricBook,x.com)Construction work for Champions Trophy 2025 (Source:@RRCricBook,x.com)

With the ICC Champions Trophy just over a month away, Pakistan's preparations for hosting the prestigious event are far from satisfactory. The National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are the three designated venues for the mega-event. However, these venues are still under construction and nowhere near completion. 

The construction work at these stadiums began in August 2024 and was expected to finish by December 31, 2024. However, essential work on seating, floodlights, facilities, and even playing surface is still incomplete. Heavy construction at the Karachi and Lahore stadiums, which includes multi-storied enclosures for dressing rooms and hospitality boxes, is still in its early stages. 

"It is a very disappointing picture. All three stadiums are far from ready and it's not renovation or refurbishment, but proper construction which is underway. There is so much work left with seats, floodlights, facilities and even the outfield and playing surfaces," said a source tracking developments. 

The ICC has already faced the same infrastructural issues during the USA leg of the 2024 T20 World Cup. To avoid this mess again, ICC is expected to send a team to Pakistan this week for a status check. 

It is also important to mention that, informal discussions are already underway in Dubai, with the UAE being considered as a potential backup host if Pakistan fails to meet deadlines for Champions Trophy 2025.  

"The weather is not ideal for construction and finishing work to happen at a rapid pace. At Gadaffi, even the plaster work isn't completed yet. And most of the time is taken by finishing work because we are talking about dressing rooms etc. They just can't be random rooms/enclosures for an ICC event. ICC has a checklist which needs to be met. National Stadium has decided to not completely finish the new enclosure because there is no time," added the source. 

Construction Work Not Completed For Champions Trophy

The construction at Gaddafi Stadium, set to host semi-final and possibly the final, still remains particularly problematic. With rushed work being carried out to meet deadlines, questions about structural and player safety have arisen.  

The ICC is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the PCB faces an uphill task to deliver on its promises. If the venues are not ready, shifting the tournament to the UAE seems inevitable.