KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. He reviewed the final stages of renovation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which starts on Feb. 19.
Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are being upgraded. The tournament’s success could attract more global series to Pakistan.
The country was avoided by teams after the 2009 attack on Sri Lankan cricketers. The eight-team, 50-over event will be Pakistan’s first global tournament in 28 years.
India will play all its matches in Dubai due to political tensions with Pakistan.
In May last year, Naqvi, also Pakistan’s interior minister, ordered officials to hire an international consultant. The goal was to upgrade Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Bank Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
“The main pavilion and media boxes at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are complete,” the PCB said. “Chair installation in enclosures is in the final stage.”
Naqvi inspected the pavilion, media box, and VIP boxes. He expressed satisfaction with the renovation progress. He also reviewed security arrangements for visiting teams.
Rawalpindi will host three matches. Bangladesh will play New Zealand on Feb. 24. Australia will face South Africa on Feb. 25. Pakistan will meet Bangladesh on Feb. 27.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will run from Feb. 19 to Mar. 9. Pakistan and Dubai will host matches under a hybrid model.
Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi will each host three group-stage matches. Lahore will also host the second semifinal. Dubai will stage India’s group games and the first semifinal if India qualifies.
The tournament opener on Feb. 19 will see Pakistan face New Zealand in Karachi. India will play Bangladesh in Dubai on Feb. 20.
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This will be the ninth Champions Trophy after an eight-year break. The last edition took place in England in 2017.
