Amid concerns over its readiness, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is “ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy”. On Friday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a sneak-peek of the newly-renovated facility in Lahore. The iconic venue is undergoing its biggest state-of-the-art upgrades since the 1996 World Cup, which Pakistan co-hosted alongside India and Sri Lanka. The stadium, which is set to host at least four matches as of now, will feature a deep moat, separating the stands and ground, to prevent pitch invasion.

The innovation, which is designed for both security and drainage, is 10 feet wide and as deep, and replaces the traditional stell cage.

As reported by The Nation, “Two VVIP enclosures, named after cricketing legends Zaheer Abbas and Majid Khan, have been added to honor their contributions to Pakistan cricket. The installation of modern LED floodlights, high-resolution SMD screens, and upgraded seating has significantly enhanced the viewing experience, ensuring that the stadium meets the highest international standards.”

Be cautious. Don’t think of invading; a deep and wide moat has been built in #GaddafiStadium #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/3I0YEks4Av

— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) January 31, 2025

For smooth conduction, a protecting net will be placed on the trench to keep the ball in play. The stadium will be inaugrated ahead of Pakistan’s tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand in the leadup to the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan are the defending champions, having won the tournament in 2017. This time, Pakistan are hosting this 2025 edition, along with the UAE.

Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team, having done so since Babar Azam stepped down from the role after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023. This is the first 50-over ICC tournament since then.

Rising star hitter Saim Ayub is a notable absentee, having sustained an ankle injury in Pakistan’s New Year’s Test in Cape Town, South Africa.

The hosts named a 15-member squad for the tournament, with four names being recalled to the side.

Pakistan squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

(With ANI Inputs)

Amidst fears that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 may not be properly hosted by host nation Pakistan due to the existing state of underdeveloped stadiums, Pakistan-based journalist Farid Khan has shared a video showing the work in progress at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Earlier, a report had emerged stating that stadiums in all three cities – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi – are still under construction, with just over a month till the Champions Trophy gets underway. However, the visual shared by the journalist shows the extent in which work is being done at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The visuals paint a picture that the stadiums are indeed being constructed, almost from scratch. Bricks, ladders, cement and construction tools and vehicles can all be spotted in the video.

As per the social media post by the journalist, more than 250 workers are on-site in order to complete the stadium construction before the given deadline of January 25.

Watch: Construction is underway at Pakistan’s Gaddafi Stadium

Update: Gaddafi Stadium’s main building getting ready. Over 250 workers are working day and night to meet the 25th January deadline. The stadium will be inaugurated afterwards. It will host the Champions Trophy final in case India do not qualify

pic.twitter.com/MzYtgMqyjr

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025

Following a report by The Times of India, where a source stated the underprepared nature of the Pakistani stadiums, it was said that a “miracle” would be needed from both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to pull off the construction work in time.

The Gaddafi stadium was stated to be in particularly bad state.

“The weather is not ideal for construction and finishing work to happen at a rapid pace. At Gadaffi, 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 etc. They just can’t be random rooms/enclosures for an ICC event. ICC has a checklist which needs to be met. National Stadium (in Karachi) has decided to not completely finish the new enclosure because there is no time,” the source had said.

THE NEW CAPACITY OF GADDAFI STADIUM IN LAHORE IS 35,000

480 LED lights have been installed, two giant digital replay screens will be installed next week. A new players and officials hospitality enclosure will also be functional in the last week of January pic.twitter.com/iWkY0akjBs

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025

Update: 350 LED lights have been installed at National Stadium in Karachi. 5000 new chairs have been installed for spectators. Two digital screens and a new hospitality enclosure for players and officials

Congratulations to everyone in Karachi. Massive upgrade pic.twitter.com/djIRMr8hKa

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025

Update: 10,000 new chairs will be installed at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Two digital replay screens will be installed. Hospitality boxes will be upgraded

Bangladesh vs New Zealand will be the first Champions Trophy match here on February 24 pic.twitter.com/cw61TEndyx

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025

Meanwhile, in light of the situation, the PCB responded by shifting the venues of Pakistan’s upcoming tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.

While the majority of the tournament will be played in Pakistan, all of Team India’s matches, as well as the semi-final and the final, will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, if India do not qualify for the final, the Gaddafi Stadium will host the summit clash.

The stadium in Lahore was named after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 1974.© X (Twitter)