Gaddafi Stadium became the “largest” cricket stadium in Pakistan – Aitrend

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the stadiums for this year’s Champions Trophy are fully ready, as it invited the media to tour the grounds in Lahore and Karachi.

The eight-team, 50-over event will be the first world cricket tournament to be held in Pakistan in 28 years. However, due to ongoing tensions between the two countries, India will play all its matches in Dubai.

Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are currently being upgraded in preparation for the tournament, and the successful hosting of the event could lead to more international competitions being held in Pakistan.

This comes after the country recovered from being considered unsafe following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team.

“We are on track to complete the renovation and modernization works at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore,” PCB spokesman Sami Al Hassan said. “The stadium is expected to be handed over to us by the end of the month. We are confident that Gaddafi Stadium will be fully operational and ready to host the Champions Cup match between Australia and England on February 22,” he added.

As part of the preparations, Gaddafi Stadium’s capacity has been increased to 35,000, with new hospitality areas created to accommodate more spectators.

With a capacity of 35,000 spectators, the stadium has become the largest cricket stadium in Pakistan.

Lahore and Karachi will also host a three-match series involving New Zealand and South Africa next month as part of the final test of the venues before the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.

With all preparations on track, the PCB is confident that the upgraded stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will meet international standards, demonstrating Pakistan’s readiness to host major global cricket events once again.