Gaddafi Stadium renovation completed, ready for Champions Trophy action
What's the story
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the completion of renovation work at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Finished in a record 117 days, the stadium is now ready to host international matches, including the ICC Champions Trophy. Upgrades include new floodlights, hospitality boxes, expanded seating, electronic scoreboards, and advanced LED towers.
Appreciation
PCB chief praises team for timely completion
PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi thanked the team which renovated the stadium. "I am grateful to all those people who put in day and night of work to get the stadium ready on time despite the apprehensions and criticism," Naqvi said in appreciation of the workers, as per PTI. He thanked nearly 1,000 workers who made this possible. He also assured the spectators can expect an enhanced viewing experience with elevated seating and the removal of high fencing around the ground.
Upcoming event
Gaddafi Stadium to host Pakistan-New Zealand match
The newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium will host its first match on February 8, between Pakistan and New Zealand. The game is part of a tri-series which also includes South Africa. The PCB has planned a similar inauguration ceremony for the National Stadium in Karachi on February 11, which President Asif Zardari is expected to attend.
Budget details
Stadium renovation costs exceed initial budget
Naqvi admitted the budget for upgrading three stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi had gone beyond initial estimates. But he stressed these new state-of-the-art venues would immensely benefit Pakistan cricket in the future. The PCB had initially earmarked 12.8 billion rupees for these projects but the final cost reportedly crossed 18 billion rupees. Despite this overrun, Naqvi confirmed all expenses were borne by PCB funds without any external assistance including from the government.
Renovation reveal
PCB showcases renovated Gaddafi Stadium
Recently, the PCB shared a video on 'X' of the revamped Gaddafi Stadium and wrote, "Under the lights, it's a sight to behold!...We can't wait to welcome fans, officials and teams for the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy." Meanwhile, a board source told PTI that after Pakistan's tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, the Gaddafi Stadium will be handed over to the ICC on February 11 'for branding and other preparations'.
Twitter Post
X Post revealing the renovated Gaddafi Stadium
In just a few months' time, Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium has been completely transformed! From demolishing the old structure to building a brand-new venue, it's now ready to shine. Kudos to @MohsinnaqviC42, the PCB team, and the dedicated workers who made it happen!
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) February 6, 2025
VC: PCB pic.twitter.com/kEimK78Sxo