The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to shift its tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa to Karachi and Lahore. Originally, the series was slated to be played in its entirety at the Multan Cricket Stadium. However, the four-match tri-series will be now played at the National Bank Cricket Stadium, Karachi, and Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore instead.
The decision to relocate the games was made to demonstrate confidence that ongoing renovation and construction projects at the stadiums for the upcoming Champions Trophy will be completed in time for the eight-team tournament.
Both stadiums in Karachi and Lahore have been undergoing construction for months now, but the PCB is confident their upgrade will be completed by January 25.
“…all upgradation work was progressing on schedule and will be completed before or around the set deadlines.” the PCB said in a statement.
“Given the advanced stage of preparations at Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to relocate the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues. The series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa alongside Pakistan, was originally scheduled to be held in Multan.”
“With over 250 workers laboring day and night to meet the 25 January deadline, the PCB is confident that the upgrades will elevate the fan experience and uphold Pakistan’s reputation as a premier cricketing destination.”
The statement further said,
“This decision reflects the PCB’s confidence in the readiness of these upgraded venues and their ability to deliver a world-class experience for players, officials, and fans alike. Further details regarding the series will be shared in due course.”
Karachi and Lahore, both, have not hosted any International games since May and April this year, respectively, thanks to the construction works. One of the Tests against England was due to be played in Karachi but was shifted to Multan owing to the same reason.
This is Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC event solely. At least ten tournament matches will be played across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
While only ‘minor touch-ups’ have been underway at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the Gaddafi Stadium and the National Bank Stadium saw significant construction changes. These changes include increasing spectator capacity, installation of digital screens and LED lights, and construction of players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosures. An inauguration ceremony has been planned following the completion of upgrade for both stadiums on January 27.
The PCB also ensured that the pitches and outfields at both venues were maintained throughout the upgrade projects. The PCB media release said,
“Throughout the upgradation process, PCB curators, under the supervision of Tony Hemming, have diligently maintained the outfields and playing surfaces to keep them protected, healthy and fresh. To prioritise these efforts, no competitive cricket has been played in Lahore and Karachi since the commencement of the upgrades, while Rawalpindi last hosted a match late last year.”
The Champions Trophy, which will conclude on March 9, will be played as per a hybrid model, with all of India’s matches set to be played in the UAE. Besides being the host of the eight-nation tournament, Pakistan are also the title defender, having won the last edition of the tournament in 2017.
