PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that the redevelopment of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is “in its final stages.” At a press conference held within the ground itself, Naqvi praised everyone involved in the construction of the stadium, stating it had been completed in record time.
Gaddafi Stadium Inauguration Date Confirmed
Naqvi confirmed that the Gaddafi Stadium will be inaugurated on February 7 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “It’s in its final stages and the last touches are being applied to it. It will definitely be completed by February 7. We had begun demolishing this stadium in September, with the construction beginning in October. We promised it would be ready by the end of January, and you can all see how close it is to completion,” Naqvi stated.
The National Stadium in Karachi is also undergoing significant renovation ahead of the Champions Trophy and remains on track for completion. It is scheduled to be inaugurated on February 11 by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. The first match at the venue, part of the ODI tri-series, will be played on February 12.
Champions Trophy Opening Ceremony Plans
Pakistan will host an opening ceremony on February 16 in Lahore, inviting top cricketing officials, including ICC chairman Jay Shah and heads of all participating cricket boards.
“We are also holding a ceremony on the 16th of February in Lahore. We’ve invited the heads of all cricket boards of teams who are coming, as well as all ICC officials, including the ICC chairman Jay Shah. We are eager to welcome the board officials and anyone else who is attending,” Naqvi said.
Addressing Concerns Over Stadium Readiness
The PCB has faced scrutiny over the fitness of its stadiums to host the tournament, as renovation efforts were initiated only a few months before the event. The original deadline was January 25, later extended to February 2. Concerns were raised about whether the stadiums would be ready for the tournament.
Naqvi dismissed these concerns, stating, “Across the border [a reference to India], there are many people who are trying to find the tiniest flaw in our stadiums and arrangements, and they will get no such opportunity.”
Financial Aspects of the Renovation
Naqvi also acknowledged the financial toll of the stadium renovations. The PCB resold ICC-allocated tickets to help offset the development costs. Naqvi emphasized the board’s commitment to a seamless tournament, ensuring top-tier security and welcoming arrangements for all teams.
The Champions Trophy, starting February 19, is a landmark event for Pakistan as it marks the first ICC tournament hosted by the country since 1996.
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