PCB Allocates 12.8 Billion PKR for Stadium Renovations Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy

PCB Allocates 12.8 Billion PKR for Stadium Renovations Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has embarked on a massive renovation project for three major stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi in preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy next year. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the allocation of a substantial budget of 12.8 billion PKR for these upgrades.

Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore:

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will receive the lion’s share of the funding, with 7.7 billion PKR allocated for its renovation. The project includes the construction of a new steel-structured pavilion (1,100 million PKR), a concrete office building (3,471 million PKR), and a steel structure for the enclosure (1,250 million PKR). Additionally, a moat will be built (189 million PKR), and two LED digital screens will be replaced (330 million PKR).

The stadium’s floodlights will be upgraded with 480 LED lights (523 million PKR), while new seats will be installed (375 million PKR). External development works will also be carried out (93 million PKR).

National Stadium, Karachi:

The National Stadium in Karachi will receive 3.5 billion PKR for its renovation, including new construction. The project involves the construction of a new steel structure for the pavilion building (1,500 million PKR), renovation of the main building and hospitality boxes (580 million PKR), and installation of two new LED digital screens (330 million PKR).

The stadium’s floodlights will be replaced with 450 LED lights (490 million PKR), and new seats will be installed (340 million PKR).

Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi:

The Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi will undergo renovations costing an estimated 1.5 billion PKR. The project includes the replacement of floodlights with 350 LED lights (393 million PKR) and the renovation of the main building, hospitality boxes, and restrooms (400 million PKR).

Additionally, two LED digital screens will be replaced (330 million PKR), and new seats will be installed (272 million PKR).

PCB Chairman Naqvi assured that all three venues will be ready in time to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year. The renovations are expected to significantly enhance the facilities and infrastructure of these stadiums, providing a world-class experience for players and spectators alike.

Pakistan Considers Offshore Test for England Series Amid Stadium Renovations

Pakistan Considers Offshore Test for England Series Amid Stadium Renovations

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a dilemma as ongoing stadium renovations threaten to disrupt the upcoming Test series against England. With Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium undergoing major overhauls, the PCB is considering moving one Test offshore.

Abu Dhabi, a former “home” venue for Pakistan during their exile, has emerged as a potential alternative. However, the city is hosting an Ireland-South Africa series until October 7, which could rule out the first Test.

Rawalpindi Stadium, which hosted the Bangladesh Tests, is also undergoing renovations in preparation for the Champions Trophy in February 2023. Hosting two Tests in Rawalpindi could delay the work, potentially impacting the tournament.

Multan and Rawalpindi remain the only viable venues in Pakistan for Tests. However, hosting two Tests in Rawalpindi could be problematic due to security and accommodation demands during the Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) meeting from October 15-16.

The PCB is also considering Faisalabad’s Iqbal Cricket Stadium, which will host the Champions Cup in September. However, it has not hosted a Test since 2006.

The PCB is under pressure to finalize venues as England fans are expected to attend the series. England head coach Brendon McCullum has emphasized the need to know the venues in advance to select the appropriate squad.

The stadium upgrades coincide with Pakistan’s busiest home season in decades, with seven Tests, four white-ball internationals, the Champions Trophy, and an expanded domestic calendar. The upgrades are long overdue but have become essential as Pakistan prepares to host the Champions Trophy next year.

PCB Refutes Claims of Champions Trophy Stadium Delays

PCB Refutes Claims of Champions Trophy Stadium Delays

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed media reports claiming that the three stadiums scheduled to host the Champions Trophy next year will not be completed on time. The PCB has clarified that only domestic and bilateral Test matches may be affected by ongoing renovations.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the National Stadium in Karachi, and the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium are undergoing upgrades for the tournament, which will be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday and acknowledged that significant work remains to be done, as none of the stadiums currently meet international standards. However, he emphasized that the renovations will be completed in time for the Champions Trophy.

“It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi’s comments,” the PCB said in a statement. “The PCB Chair clearly stated that the redevelopment and redesign of the three designated stadiums would be completed on schedule, ensuring readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”

The PCB has also appointed UK-based architecture firm BDP Pattern to upgrade the stadium infrastructure for cricket.

Pakistan won the last Champions Trophy tournament, held in England in 2017, before it was discontinued due to a crowded schedule. The ICC has revived the tournament to ensure a major event is held every year.

The PCB’s commitment to hosting a successful Champions Trophy is evident in its efforts to ensure that the stadiums meet international standards. While some domestic matches may be relocated to facilitate construction work, the PCB has assured that the Champions Trophy remains a top priority.

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