The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the relocation of the upcoming ODI tri-series, featuring South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan, from Multan to Karachi and Lahore. This decision comes amid concerns over delays in renovation work at the scheduled Champions Trophy venues. The PCB, however, has dismissed these concerns, asserting that preparations for the prestigious tournament are progressing as planned.
Tri-Series Relocation Details
The tri-series, serving as a precursor to the ICC Champions Trophy, is now set to commence on February 19 in Karachi. The PCB has reassured the public that preparations for the tournament are advancing as scheduled. Renovation works at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium are reportedly on track to be completed by or around the planned deadlines.
Stadium Renovations and Upgrades
In its statement, the PCB expressed confidence in the readiness of the upgraded venues, explaining that the relocation of the tri-series was due to the advanced stage of work at both Gaddafi and National Bank stadiums. The decision underscores the PCB’s belief that these venues will deliver a world-class experience for players, officials, and fans alike.
The renovations at Gaddafi Stadium have seen the addition of 35,000 new seats, replacing the old chairs, and the installation of 480 state-of-the-art LED lights to enhance the broadcast quality and viewing experience. A brand-new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure has also been constructed. The stadium is expected to be officially inaugurated in the last week of January.
In Karachi, the National Bank Stadium has also undergone extensive upgrades. New hospitality enclosures have been built, alongside the installation of 350 LED lights to ensure optimal visibility for global audiences. Two digital replay screens have been added, and 5,000 new seats have been fitted. These improvements aim to elevate the quality of the tournament for both spectators and broadcasters.
Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has received additional touch-ups, including the installation of 10,000 new seats, upgrades to hospitality boxes, and the addition of two digital replay screens.
Concerns and PCB’s Assurance
Despite the PCB’s optimism, there are growing concerns about the readiness of these venues. Social media videos posted earlier this week highlighted ongoing construction work at all three key venues—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi—raising alarms over whether they will be ready in time for the tournament. Reports indicated that several key areas, including seating, floodlights, and playing surfaces, remain incomplete. At Gaddafi Stadium, for instance, plastering work is still unfinished.
The slow pace of construction is being attributed to unfavorable weather conditions, which have delayed finishing work. Crucial areas, such as dressing rooms, require substantial attention to meet the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) high standards. These rooms cannot be simple enclosures, as they must adhere to the ICC’s detailed checklist for international events. At Karachi’s National Stadium, time constraints have led to a decision to leave certain new enclosures incomplete.
Race Against Time
Typically, host countries are required to hand over fully prepared venues to the ICC well ahead of the event so that quality checks and final adjustments can be made. If the PCB misses its deadlines or fails to meet the ICC’s stringent checklist, the tournament could face serious disruptions. Semi-completed venues are not acceptable for international events of this stature.
With less than a month to go before the Champions Trophy begins, there is increasing pressure on both the PCB and the ICC to complete the necessary work in time. The situation remains fluid, and the coming week will be critical in determining whether the tournament can proceed as planned. The PCB and ICC now face a daunting challenge to ensure that the venues are ready for one of the most anticipated events in international cricket.
