ICC on the fence as venues far from ready in Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Pakistan staged a significant hue and cry when India refused to play in the country for the ICC Champions Trophy. To fully assert their hosting rights for the tournament, Pakistan engaged in a prolonged tussle with India, dismissing concerns over the security of Indian players. What eventually transpired, after much delay and ICC intervention, was the PCB finally agreeing to a hybrid model. India will play all its matches, including the knockouts if they advance, in Dubai, while Pakistan retains the rest of the matches. However, considering how passionately they fought for their hosting rights, one would have assumed that Pakistan would ensure seamless facilities. The reality, however, falls far short of expectations. The venues, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, are reportedly still under construction.

Pakistan races against deadlines as construction continues at venues designated for the ICC Champions Trophy

The preparation of the three designated venues in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy faces challenges. The construction delays persist just five weeks before the marquee event is slated to kickoff in the sub-continent. Renovation work is still underway at Karachi’s National Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With time running out, the ICC has expressed growing concern about the readiness of the venues. Reportedly, the council is planning to deploy a task force to assess the progress and lay a strategy for ahead accordingly. Initially, the PCB aimed to complete the upgrades by December 31, but with the February 12 handover date to the ICC looming, preparations have yet to be finalized.

"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," the latest update from Pakistan informed.

A source, furthermore, verbalized the harsh fate that Pakistan could face if the ICC remains unsatisfied with their readiness for the event. The source revealed that if the council finds the venues to be unprepared by any standards promised earlier, it's a "no-brainer" that the event will be shifted elsewhere.

"It's a no-brainer on what would happen if PCB misses deadlines and venues don't meet ICC checklist. Tournament can't be played at semi-ready venues. The next week will give more clarity on the future but PCB and ICC together need to pull off a miracle," the source specified.

However, Pakistan stands firm in its resolution to be prepared for the ICC event. According to the PCB, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is expected to be ready for the series opener at the end of January, with enhancements to increase seating capacity already underway. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium requires only minor upgrades and is anticipated to be ready soon. The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to kick off on February 19 with a group-stage clash between host Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium.

“The PCB is fully committed to ensuring that all venues are ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other international matches,” read the press release by PCB. “With over 250 workers laboring day and night to meet the 25 January deadline, the PCB is confident that the upgrades will elevate the fan experience and uphold Pakistan’s reputation as a premier cricketing destination.”