With just over a month to go before the Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off, the stadium renovation work in Pakistan seems far from over. With that in the picture, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been promoted to act swiftly and has made the decision to shift the venue for the upcoming ODI Tri-series prior to Lahore and Karachi. The ODI Tri-series will see three teams in action namely Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, and is expected to be held just before the start of the Champions Trophy.  

Originally, Multan was planned to play host to the ODI Tri-series but given the advanced stage of preparations at Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) and National Bank Stadium (Karachi) ahead of the mega white-ball event, PCB has decided to host the tri-series in these two venues.

See also: Pakistan stadiums still under renovation as Champions Trophy kick-off date looms

PCB assures seamless upgradation of its stadiums before deadline 

In a recent update, PCB has assured the fans and the media that the stadium reconstruction work is progressing as per plan at the two venues and desires to complete the work on or well before the deadline expires. 

They further added that the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has seen significant enhancements. The seating capacity has been upgraded to 35,000 and as many as 480 LED lights along with two giant replay screens have been installed at the site to give the spectators a memorial viewing experience. 

“Additionally, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for fans worldwide. To further elevate the spectator experience, two giant digital replay screens – measuring 80 feet x 30 feet and 22 feet x 35 feet – will be installed next week. A brand-new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure has also been created, which will be operational by January 25."

Meanwhile, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, sweeping renovation work is underway. The stadium will house a new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure at the University End along with 350 LED lights to cater to an unforgettable experience for the spectators.

“To improve broadcast coverage, 350 LED lights have been installed, ensuring optimal visibility for global audiences. Two digital replay screens have already been fixed, and 5,000 new chairs have been installed to enhance spectator comfort."

Can the entire Champions Trophy 2025 be shifted to the UAE?

India's repeated denial has forced the PCB and ICC to be inventive and adopt a "fusion" model approach. Under this agreement, India will play all its fixtures with Pakistan at a neutral venue and vice-versa, Pakistan will also play out all its future fixtures with India at a neutral venue till 2027. With that in mind, the current Champions Trophy edition has been hosted jointly by Pakistan and the UAE. Should the stadium crisis situation exacerbate any further for Pakistan, the ICC, in every likelihood may be compelled to bring the entire CT 2025 to UAE shores as a last resort.