PCB clarifies stand on rumours of Imran Khan's name removal from Gaddafi Stadium [Source: @Sadiaataha/X.com]
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has categorically dismissed rumours suggesting the removal of Imran Khan’s name from an enclosure at Lahore’s revamped Gaddafi Stadium. Speculation had swirled that the former captain’s association with the venue was being erased amid his ongoing legal troubles and incarceration.
However, PCB has clarified its stance on the removal of the name, stating that all the structures remains unchanged. The statement comes as the stadium undergoes final preparations to host the 2025 Champions Trophy.
PCB Denies Removing Imran Khan's Name
The Imran Khan Enclosure, a VIP stand named in honour of the 1992 World Cup-winning skipper, has been a fixture at Gaddafi Stadium since Pakistan’s historic triumph.According to Cricket Pakistan's official website, a PCB official clarified, “No names have been changed or removed on enclosures. All enclosures will remain as they were earlier.”
Recent conjecture about its renaming arose against the backdrop of Imran Khan’s imprisonment following his conviction in a corruption case, which he claims is politically motivated. The former prime minister and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 14 and 7 years, respectively, in January 2024, though Khan maintains his innocence.
Gaddafi Stadium Gears Up for Champions Trophy
Meanwhile, the PCB is racing to complete upgrades at Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19, 2025. A PCB source confirmed the venue will be handed over to the ICC on February 11 for final branding, following a tri-series involving Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Karachi’s National Stadium and Rawalpindi Stadium are also being refurbished for the event, though India’s matches will be held in Dubai due to security concerns. Despite the PCB’s assurances, challenges linger, including delays in announcing Pakistan’s squad, pending updates on injured opener Saim Ayub. As the countdown begins, the PCB remains confident the venues will showcase Pakistan’s readiness to host its first ICC event since 1996.