Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi addressing the media gathered on the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on January 31, 2025. — Screengrab by way of Geo NewsPM Shehbaz will inaugurate Gaddafi Stadium, says Naqvi. 100% work of stadium might be accomplished earlier than Feb 7. Opening ceremony of occasion to be held on Feb 16.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Friday confirmed that newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and Nationwide Stadium Karachi could be inaugurated on February 7 and February 11, respectively forward of the highly-anticipated ICC Males’s Champions Trophy 2025.
“Lahore stadium is going to be inaugurated on February 7, God willing,” Naqvi instructed the media on the Gaddafi Stadium.
The chairman added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would inaugurate the Lahore stadium whereas Karachi stadium’s inauguration could be carried out by President Asif Ali Zardari.
Moreover, he stated, the stadium’s renovation is within the final phases, with employees giving it closing touches, and 100% of the work might be accomplished earlier than February 7.
“Construction and renovation of Gaddafi Stadium was promised to be completed on January 31,” he stated including that the work on the historic stadium started in October final yr.
Referring to the opening ceremony of the occasion, the chairman of the nationwide cricketing physique said that will probably be held on February 16 in cooperation with the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC).
Naqvi additionally confirmed that India and Chairman ICC Jay Shah have been invited to the opening ceremony of the marquee occasion. Nonetheless, he stated Shah’s participation within the commemoration of the occasion “is not confirmed”.
“We are completely prepared for the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi assured and added that Pakistan’s squad for the occasion might be introduced quickly.
“We trust the selection team, a good team will be selected,” he added.
Speaking in regards to the worldwide gamers from the seven different taking part nations, Naqvi stated that they are going to be welcomed and the PCB together with different groups, is working day and evening for the safety and different preparations of the worldwide groups.
The eight-team event, comprising 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, throughout three venues — Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi — in Pakistan and Dubai.
The eight groups are divided into two teams. Group A options Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, whereas Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.
Hosts Pakistan will tackle New Zealand within the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi, whereas the blockbuster conflict between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
Pakistan will host a complete of 10 matches, whereas 4 matches, together with all three of India’s group-stage matches and the primary semi-final, might be performed in Dubai.
The ultimate of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be performed in Lahore but when India qualifies then will probably be held in Dubai.
