Champions Trophy 2025: Gaddafi Stadium Faces Race Against Time as Deadlines Loom, Will ICC Move Tournament Out of Pakistan?

Champions Trophy 2025: The ICC Champions Trophy is just over a month away, but Pakistan's preparation for hosting the tournament is in jeopardy.

The ongoing construction and upgradation work at key venues, including Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, have fallen significantly behind schedule.

With the February 12 deadline fast approaching, concerns are mounting about Pakistan's ability to deliver the venues in time, and discussions about moving the tournament to the UAE have gained momentum.

A Timeline of Delays

Renovation efforts, which began in August last year, were originally slated to be completed by December 31. However, progress has been slow, leaving the venues far from ready. An ICC team is set to visit Pakistan later this week to evaluate the situation, with contingency plans reportedly being informally discussed in Dubai.

Sources within the ICC have described the current state of the venues as "disappointing," highlighting that the work involves not just refurbishment but substantial construction, including new enclosures, floodlight installations, and upgraded player facilities.

Challenges at Gaddafi Stadium

Gaddafi Stadium, set to host some of the tournament's most crucial matches, including one semi-final and potentially the final, is facing significant hurdles. The multi-storied enclosures that will house dressing rooms and hospitality boxes remain incomplete. Additionally, essential infrastructure such as fencing, floodlights, and seating arrangements is far from finished. Even the playing surface and outfield are not yet ready, raising concerns about the venue's overall quality and safety.

Weather conditions have further compounded the delays. "The weather is not ideal for construction and finishing work to happen at a rapid pace. At Gaddafi, even the plaster work isn't completed yet. And most of the time is taken by finishing work because we are talking about dressing rooms, which must meet ICC standards," a source told TOI.

National Stadium and Rawalpindi: Similar Struggles

The National Stadium in Karachi faces similar issues, with authorities deciding to forgo the completion of certain enclosures due to time constraints. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is also struggling to meet deadlines, with extensive work still required across key areas.

ICC's Growing Concerns

The ICC has a strict checklist for tournament venues, covering aspects such as player safety, infrastructure quality, and spectator experience. With construction far from complete at all three stadiums, the possibility of hosting the tournament in semi-finished venues seems untenable.

A source closely monitoring the situation said, "It's a no-brainer what would happen if PCB misses deadlines and venues don't meet ICC checklist. The tournament can't be played at semi-ready venues. The next week will give more clarity, but PCB and ICC together need to pull off a miracle."

Backup Plans: UAE in the Spotlight

Given the delays, the ICC is reportedly considering moving the tournament to the UAE, which has a proven track record of successfully hosting major cricket events, including the IPL and the T20 World Cup. While this would ensure the tournament's smooth conduct, it would be a significant blow to Pakistan's aspirations of hosting a global cricket event on home soil.

With less than two months to go, the PCB faces immense pressure to expedite construction and meet ICC standards. The challenges are reminiscent of logistical issues during the USA leg of the T20 World Cup last year, highlighting the risks of inadequate preparation.

The cricketing world waits with bated breath to see whether Pakistan can overcome the odds or if the ICC will be forced to shift the tournament to a backup location. The next week will likely provide crucial answers as the ICC's inspection team delivers its verdict on Pakistan's readiness.