Several media reports have suggested that the 2025 Champions Cup could be moved out of Pakistan due to delays in renovation work at the country’s stadiums. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium are scheduled to host Pakistan Champions Cup matches. Meanwhile, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host India’s tournament matches as the team has decided not to travel to Pakistan.
Renovation work at sites in Pakistan, which began in August last year and was expected to be completed by December 31, is yet to be completed. Several reports claim that if the arenas are not ready for the transfer on February 12, the entire tournament will be moved to the UAE.
Amid ongoing concerns about Pakistan, a major report has come to the fore, encouraging it. Report to India today stated that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is closely monitoring the condition of the three stadiums in Pakistan and that its delegation has not yet expressed any concern in this regard.
The eight-team tournament, which includes 15 competitions, will end on March 9.
“All work (related to the stadiums) will be completed by the first week of February. Pakistan will successfully host the Champions Cup. There is no need to believe rumors. We strive to do our best. There are people who are trying to tarnish the image of Pakistan on social media. We know who they all are and why they are doing this,” a PCB official told IANS.
However, the PCB on Wednesday moved the three ODI series, also involving South Africa and New Zealand, from Multan to Karachi and Lahore, saying the move is due to the advanced stage of preparations at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Stadium Karachi, which will host six of the 12 Champions Trophy group stage matches.
Pakistan is preparing to host an ICC tournament for the first time since 1996, when it co-hosted the ODI World Cup.
(with IANS inputs)
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