With the ICC Champions Trophy set to begin in just over a month, Pakistan’s preparations are facing significant setbacks. The National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are the designated venues for the prestigious event. However, none of these stadiums are anywhere near completion.
Construction work at these venues began in August 2024, with an expected completion date of December 31, 2024. Despite this timeline, vital work on seating, floodlights, facilities, and even the playing surfaces remains unfinished. At both the Karachi and Lahore stadiums, major construction, including multi-storied enclosures for dressing rooms and hospitality areas, is still in its early stages.
A source familiar with the situation expressed disappointment, stating, “All three stadiums are far from ready. This isn’t just renovation; proper construction is underway. There’s a lot left to be done, including seating, floodlights, and the playing surface.”
The ICC has already encountered similar infrastructure challenges during the USA leg of the 2024 T20 World Cup, prompting the governing body to send a team to Pakistan for a status check later this week. Furthermore, informal discussions are taking place regarding the UAE as a backup host if Pakistan fails to meet its deadlines.
Gaddafi Stadium, which is scheduled to host the semi-final and potentially the final, faces the most issues, with rushed construction raising concerns about player safety. As the event nears, the PCB is under pressure to meet the ICC’s strict requirements. If the venues remain incomplete, shifting the tournament to the UAE may become inevitable.
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