4 min read
Lahore, a city renowned for its fast-paced lifestyle, is often humorously described as a place where everyone is in a rush, but nothing ever seems to happen on time. This amusing paradox recently extended to the Gaddafi Stadium, the city’s most iconic sporting venue, casting a shadow over the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy. Awarded to Pakistan three years ago, the tournament raised the expectation that the country's stadiums, particularly in Lahore, would undergo significant upgrades. However, the much-needed renovations only began in earnest in August, leaving many skeptical about meeting the tight deadlines. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in an ambitious statement, revealed plans for a massive infrastructure overhaul of the Gaddafi Stadium, which included demolishing and rebuilding the entire structure from scratch.
When will the Pakistan stadiums be ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Acknowledging that Pakistan’s stadiums were not up to international standards, Naqvi assured the public that the improvements would elevate the venues to global expectations. Since the announcement, the PCB has faced significant doubt from the public about whether the project could be completed on time. In response, they have consistently issued updates to reassure stakeholders, stating that progress is on track. The PCB emphasized that over 250 workers are working tirelessly, “day and night,” to meet the deadline. Despite the challenges, the project is moving forward with the aim of delivering a world-class venue in time for the Champions Trophy.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has repeatedly dismissed rumors suggesting that delays in construction could force the Champions Trophy to be moved to the UAE. Just two weeks ago, they confidently announced that work on all venues was progressing well enough to reschedule a tri-series, initially planned for Multan, to take place in Lahore and Karachi instead. The area around Gaddafi Stadium, always a hub of activity, is now a scene of frantic construction work. As the countdown to the tri-series begins, workers are busy filling gaps between the stands and boundary fences, while power tools and welding kits are scattered around the venue. Despite the chaos, stadium managers remain optimistic, reassuring everyone that there are no concerns about meeting the tight deadline.
While it's clear that much work remains, the speed at which it's being done is equally apparent. One of the notable upgrades is the new hospitality area for players and officials, located in front of the pavilion. The balcony offers excellent views of the pitch but is still under construction. A rectangular hole and unfinished staircase indicate the work still in progress, highlighting the race against time to ensure everything is ready.
In one corner of the stadium, a rectangular mortar structure filled with wet cement is taking shape, destined to be used for players' ice baths once completed. This area is where much of the refurbishment is concentrated, with several hospitality and corporate enclosures being rebuilt from scratch. As work progresses, it becomes clear that the pace is frantic—hammers, nails, welders, and excavators are all in motion, creating a sense of urgency.
Descending the unfinished staircase to the ground floor is a somewhat nerve-wracking experience, especially without safety rails, but this is where the majority of the construction is taking place. Underneath the Imran Khan enclosure, bricks, cement, and scattered floor tiles paint a picture of the ongoing work. As you step out into the open expanse of the stadium, the scale of the transformation becomes apparent. The standing structure is largely complete, and over half the seating is already laid out, with more being added by the minute. Two new giant replay screens are also under construction, one of which is finished, and the other nearing completion. Notably, the once-impeding steel fences that blocked spectators’ view of the field are being removed, offering an unobstructed view of the game.
The action will now feel much closer to the fans, as the steel cages that once blocked the view are gone for good. A dry moat will replace them, providing protection to the playing area without obstructing the spectators' experience. This upgrade has also led to a significant increase in the venue's capacity, now expanded to 35,000. The majority of the additional seating is situated closer to the ground, a move that was previously impossible due to the fences that once restricted that space. While the focus on meeting deadlines has overshadowed some of the larger improvements, the PCB remains confident that everything is on track for the Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC shares this optimism. Regardless of the tournament, the stadium was always due for an upgrade, and these renovations, though rushed, are set to enhance the viewing experience for years to come.