Amid concerns that the ICC Champions Cup 2025 may not be properly hosted by host nation Pakistan due to the existing state of underdevelopment of the stadiums, Pakistani journalist Farid Khan shared a video showing the ongoing work at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Earlier, a report had emerged which stated that stadiums in all three cities – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi – are still under construction with just over a month left for the start of the Champions Cup. However, the video shared by the journalist shows how much work is being done at Gaddafi Stadium.
The visuals paint a picture of stadiums being built virtually from scratch. Bricks, ladders, cement, construction tools and vehicles can be seen in the video.
According to the journalist’s social media post, more than 250 workers are on site to complete the stadium’s construction before the January 25 deadline.
Watch: Construction is underway at Pakistan’s Gaddafi Stadium
Update: The main building of Gaddafi Stadium is being prepared. More than 250 workers are working day and night to meet the January 25 deadline. After this, the stadium will be open. The Champions Cup final will be held here if India fails to qualify.
pic.twitter.com/MzYtgMqyjr— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025
After the report Times of Indiawhere a source stated that Pakistan’s stadiums were insufficiently prepared, it was said that it would take a “miracle” from both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to complete the construction work on time.
Gaddafi Stadium was said to be in particularly poor condition.
“The weather is not ideal for construction and finishing work to proceed at a rapid pace. In Gaddafi, even the plastering work has not yet been completed. And most of the time is spent on finishing work because we are talking about dressing rooms etc. They simply cannot be random rooms/pen for ICC events. The ICC has a checklist that needs to be followed. The National Stadium (in Karachi) has decided not to complete the new fencing because there is no time,” the source said. said.
NEW CAPACITY OF GADDAFI STADIUM LAHORE IS 35,000 BADGES
480 LED lights have been installed and two giant digital replay screens will be installed next week. A new lounge for players and officials will also become operational in the last week of January. pic.twitter.com/iWkY0akjBs
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025
Update: National Stadium Karachi has 350 LED lights installed. 5,000 new chairs have been installed for spectators. Two digital screens and a new concourse for players and officials.
Congratulations to everyone in Karachi. Major update pic.twitter.com/djIRMr8hKa
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025
Update: 10,000 new chairs will be installed at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Two digital replay screens will be installed. Hospitality boxes will be modernized
Bangladesh vs New Zealand will be the first match of the Champions Trophy on February 24. pic.twitter.com/cw61TEndyx
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025
Meanwhile, in light of the situation, the PCB has responded by shifting the venue of Pakistan’s upcoming tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.
While the majority of the tournament will be played in Pakistan, all of India’s matches, as well as the semi-finals and final, will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, if India fails to reach the final, the summit match will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium.
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