The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation on Sunday visited Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to assess preparations for the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.
The delegation, which included ICC officials, broadcasters, and logistics personnel, thoroughly reviewed the venue’s facilities, including media boxes, dressing rooms, and enclosures.
Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), briefed the delegation on the ongoing upgrades to the stadium, which are expected to be completed by this month.
Gaddafi Stadium will host at least four Champions Trophy matches, including the second semi-final on March 5.
The tournament will be held across three venues in Pakistan and Dubai, featuring eight teams in two groups. The event kicks off with Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
Earlier, ICC delegation visited Karachi’s National Bank Stadium to assess the preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025.
The six-member team, which included ICC officials, broadcasters, and logistics personnel, thoroughly reviewed the venue’s readiness for the tournament. The visit aimed to ensure that all necessary facilities are in place ahead of the tournament’s scheduled start on February 19.
Usman Wahla provided a detailed briefing on the development works currently underway at the stadium.
The deadline for completing the required upgrades at the National Bank Stadium is set for January 25, ensuring ample time for final preparations before the Champions Trophy begins.
The tournament, which will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches, will be held from February 19 to March 9 across three venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—as well as in Dubai.
The eight teams are divided into two groups: Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.
Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi, and the highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is set for February 23 in Dubai.
