PCB Confirms Readiness of Stadiums for ICC Champions Trophy
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured the media that it has fully prepared the venues for this year’s Champions Trophy. Following a recent tour of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and stadium in Karachi. This 50-over, eight-team event marks Pakistan’s return as a host for a global cricket tournament after 28 years. However, due to ongoing tensions between the two countries, India will play all of its matches in Dubai.
Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are undergoing upgrades in preparation for the tournament. If successful, this event could open the door to hosting more international cricket competitions in Pakistan. This comes after the country’s long recovery from the aftermath of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team. The attack made authorities consider Pakistan an unsafe venue for international cricket.
“We are on track to complete all renovations and upgrades at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore,” said PCB spokesperson Sami Ul Hasan. “The venue is expected to be handed over to us by the end of this month. And we are confident that Gaddafi Stadium will be fully operational and ready to host the Champions Trophy match between Australia and England on February 22.”
Seating Capacity
As part of the upgrades, the seating capacity at Gaddafi Stadium has been expanded to 35,000. With new hospitality areas to accommodate more spectators, making it the largest cricket venue in Pakistan.
Lahore and Karachi will also host a tri-nation series featuring New Zealand and South Africa next month. Serving as the final test for these venues ahead of the Champions Trophy, which kicks off on February 19.
With all preparations progressing as planned, the PCB is confident that the revamped stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will meet international standards. Reinforcing Pakistan’s readiness to once again host major global cricket events.
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