As the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues, doubts loom over the completion of Lahore’s stadium renovation and preparations at other key venues in Karachi and Rawalpindi. With the first match scheduled for February 19, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in a frantic race against time to ensure readiness, facing a daunting challenge that could make or break its reputation.
Despite assurances from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the mammoth renovation task appears far from finished. A recent inspection of the Rawalpindi stadium revealed significant gaps, raising serious concerns about the board’s ability to meet the January 31 deadline for venue control. Pakistan’s respected daily Dawn aptly captured the precarious situation, stating, “It seems absolutely impossible to contemplate the renovation work being completed within the deadline, but the personnel handed the responsibility are beaming with confidence.” The newspaper further commented, “The board would either be hero or zero for taking up such a mammoth task.”
Reports indicate that the PCB has spent approximately PKR 12 billion on renovation, construction, and equipment installation at the three venues. However, the pace of work has been hindered by persistent logistical hurdles.
In Lahore, the installation of 350 LED lights on towering poles is incomplete, and panels for the new building are still awaiting clearance from Karachi Port, causing delays. Karachi faces similar challenges, with Bilal Chohan, the official overseeing renovations, expressing frustration over delays in obtaining essential equipment and clearances. Additionally, the installation of two digital screens on either side of the ground remains unfinished, raising concerns about whether the venue will be ready in time for the Champions Trophy. These persistent issues highlight logistical and operational setbacks.
The hospitality enclosure in Lahore is in its final stages, but concerns remain over whether it will meet international standards in time for the event. The PCB’s ambitious renovation efforts are at risk of being derailed, potentially impacting the viewing experience for thousands of fans.
Compounding the crisis is the sudden resignation of International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Geoff Allardice. His departure, announced just weeks before the Champions Trophy, has fueled speculation about the reasons behind the move. A board member of the ICC hinted that Allardice’s failure to present a “clear picture” of Pakistan’s lack of preparedness was among the factors contributing to his resignation.
The timing of this resignation has added to the pressure on PCB officials, who are already grappling with mounting criticism over their handling of the tournament preparations. Allardice’s exit underscores the gravity of the situation and the international cricket body’s concerns about Pakistan’s ability to host a flawless event.
The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, is set to be a high-stakes event featuring some of the world’s top cricketing nations. Group A includes current Champions Trophy holders and hosts Pakistan, alongside India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B features Cricket World Cup 2023 champions Australia, as well as Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.
In a surprising move, India’s matches will be held in Dubai due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. This decision, while logistically challenging, was seen as a diplomatic compromise to ensure the participation of the Indian team.
The PCB’s efforts have drawn sharp criticism from cricket enthusiasts and experts alike. Many have questioned the board’s decision to take on such extensive renovation projects so close to the tournament. “The PCB should have started this work at least a year in advance,” commented a former cricket official. “Leaving it until the last minute has created an avoidable crisis.”
Fans have also expressed concerns about whether the venues will be able to accommodate the expected crowds and provide a world-class viewing experience. The lack of clear communication from the PCB regarding the progress of the renovations has only added to the anxiety.
Despite the mounting challenges, PCB officials remain optimistic. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s recent inspection visit to the Rawalpindi stadium was accompanied by assurances that the Champions Trophy would proceed as planned. “We are fully committed to delivering a successful tournament,” he stated confidently.
However, this optimism has not quelled the skepticism surrounding the board’s ability to meet the tight deadline. As the newspaper Dawn aptly put it, the PCB will either emerge as a “hero or zero” based on the outcome of its ambitious renovation efforts.
With less than a month remaining until the Champions Trophy, the PCB faces an uphill battle to complete the renovation work and address logistical challenges. The situation demands a focused and coordinated effort to ensure that all venues are ready to host matches on time.
As the ICC Champions Trophy approaches, security preparations across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi have been ramped up to ensure a safe environment for players, officials, and spectators. With matches set to commence on February 19, at least 17,000 personnel are being deployed across the venues.
Lahore will witness the deployment of 7,600 police officers, including elite commandos tasked with high-risk security duties. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi will have 4,500 officers on the ground, with 411 personnel from the Special Branch providing strategic oversight. The Punjab government has pledged round-the-clock security arrangements for the participating teams to prevent any potential threats.
To strengthen surveillance, the Pakistan Army and Rangers will provide aerial monitoring during the event. Furthermore, Safe City cameras will keep a vigilant watch on routes leading to the stadiums, ensuring smooth and secure access. These comprehensive measures underline Pakistan’s commitment to hosting a seamless and secure international cricket event.
As the race against time continues, cricket fans and stakeholders around the world will be watching closely. The stakes have never been higher, and the outcome will determine whether the PCB emerges as a hero or a cautionary tale in the annals of international cricket.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
