Islamabad, Jan 11: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a venue change for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. Initially planned for Multan, the matches will now be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, both of which are nearing the completion of extensive renovations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Upgrades at Gaddafi Stadium
The Gaddafi Stadium has undergone significant transformations to enhance the experience for both fans and players. Key upgrades include:
- Expanded Seating Capacity: The stadium now accommodates 35,000 spectators, offering new, comfortable seating arrangements.
- Improved Lighting: A set of 480 advanced LED lights has been installed to meet global broadcast standards.
- Digital Replay Screens: Two massive digital replay screens are being added, expected to be operational by next week.
- Hospitality Enclosure: A modern hospitality area for players and officials will be ready by January 25, in time for the venue’s grand reopening later that month.Enhancements at National Bank Stadium
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Karachi’s National Bank Stadium has also undergone substantial improvements, including:
- Enhanced Lighting: 350 LED lights have been installed to ensure top-tier visibility for international broadcasts.
- New Hospitality Area: A dedicated hospitality space has been constructed at the University End.
- Increased Seating Capacity: An additional 5,000 seats have been introduced to accommodate more fans.
Preparations at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
While Lahore and Karachi take center stage, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is also being upgraded to support future events. Updates include:
- Installation of 10,000 new chairs.
- Enhancements to hospitality boxes.
- Addition of two digital replay screens to improve fan engagement.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Beyond
The PCB has emphasized that these upgrades are part of a broader effort to ensure state-of-the-art facilities for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Over 250 workers are working around the clock to meet the January 25 deadline for the renovations.
PCB curators, led by Tony Hemming, are also focused on maintaining high-quality playing surfaces at all three venues to deliver optimal conditions for players.
The tri-nation series, scheduled to kick off soon, will serve as a prelude to Pakistan’s preparations for hosting the Champions Trophy. Fans can expect world-class cricketing action in revamped, modernized stadiums.
