PM Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025. — Screengrab by way of Geo NewsPM hails completion of Gaddafi renovation in file 117 days.Premier hopes for Pakistan crew’s victory in Champions Trophy.PCB unveils cricket crew’s official jersey for upcoming match.
Days earlier than the beginning of the ICC Males’s Champions Trophy 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, marking a brand new chapter within the iconic cricket stadium’s 65-year historical past.
The premier appreciated Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, contractors and employees for finishing renovation work of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in “almost impossible” file interval of 117 days.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, he requested Naqvi, who can also be a inside minister, to understand the employees who participated within the renovation work of the stadium by taking them to London go to.
He additionally lauded Pakistani cricketers for exhibiting good performances throughout their current matches earlier than getting into the upcoming marquee occasion of the ICC’s Mens Champions Trophy 2025.
Premier Shehbaz expressed hope that the Pakistan squad would win the hearts of the Pakistanis by clinching victory within the Champions Trophy and particularly, defeating arch-rival India within the upcoming match to be held in Dubai.
He expressed pleasure over the organisation of the mega cricketing occasion in Pakistan after 29 years. The premier added that the Punjab authorities and the PCB chief would guarantee foolproof safety preparations for the upcoming occasion.
PM Shehbaz additionally distributed shields amongst high officers who carried out obligations in the course of the renovation work on the stadium which might host worldwide matches of the Tri-Nation Collection and the Champions Trophy this month.
In the meantime, the Pakistan cricket crew’s official jersey for the upcoming eight-team match of the Champions Trophy was unveiled in the course of the opening ceremony of the newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan (left) and teammates pose in nationwide crew’s new jersey for the ICC Males’s Champions Trophy 2025 on the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025. — PCB
The ceremony featured music, dance, and fireworks to create a memorable expertise for followers, who’ve been granted free entry.
The stadium gates, aside from the Imran Khan enclosure reserved for company, opened to most people at 5:30pm.
The PCB has invited famend singers Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar and Aima Baig to enthrall the viewers with musical performances, adopted by a spectacular drum and fireworks show. A novel gentle present additional enhanced the night’s grandeur.
The upgraded Gaddafi Stadium now options brighter LED lights, two giant rating screens, and imported seating in all enclosures, making certain an distinctive viewing expertise for followers.
Moreover, the stadium now gives enhanced services, together with newly constructed hospitality containers and upgraded facilities for gamers and spectators. Round 10,000 new seats have been added to increase the venue’s capability.
These enhancements promise a world-class cricketing expertise, with improved seating preparations, superior viewing angles, and a full of life ambiance.
Below Naqvi’s management, the PCB remodeled the venue into a contemporary cricketing hub in simply 117 days.
Gaddafi Stadium will host New Zealand within the opening match of the tri-nation ODI collection on February 8 (Saturday) and also will be the venue for 4 matches of the Champions Trophy, together with the second semi-final.
