As the 2025 Champions Trophy draws closer, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively assessing various cricket stadiums in Pakistan to ensure they meet the high standards required for this prestigious event. In this process, the ICC delegation is visiting key venues in cities such as Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore.
Rawalpindi Stadium Inspection
The ICC delegation is set to visit Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday to evaluate the preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy. This visit is part of their second phase of inspections across Pakistan. The six-member team will be examining ongoing construction and renovation work to ensure the venue is ready for the event.
| Date | Match | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 24th February | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Bangladesh, New Zealand |
| 25th February | Australia vs South Africa | Australia, South Africa |
| 27th February | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Pakistan, Bangladesh |
Usman Wahla, the Director of International Cricket at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), along with other officials, will provide the delegation with updates on the progress of the stadium’s upgrades. Rawalpindi is set to host three crucial matches during the Champions Trophy, starting on 19th February.
Ongoing Inspection at Other Venues
In addition to Rawalpindi, the ICC delegation is also conducting inspections at other venues. This includes visits to Karachi’s National Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Karachi National Stadium
Earlier this week, the delegation inspected the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. They assessed the progress of upgrades and improvements to the venue to meet the Champions Trophy’s requirements. The six-member team, including ICC officials, broadcasters, and logistics personnel, reviewed the stadium’s readiness.
| Date | Match | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 19th February | Pakistan vs New Zealand | Pakistan, New Zealand |
Usman Wahla provided a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing construction work at the National Stadium. The deadline to complete the necessary upgrades is January 25, ensuring that all preparations are finalized well in advance of the tournament’s start date.
Lahore Gaddafi Stadium
The final phase of the ICC delegation visit will take them to Lahore, where they will assess the work being done at the historic Gaddafi Stadium. This visit will ensure the stadium is also prepared to host matches for the Champions Trophy.
Champions Trophy 2025 Overview
The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on 19th February and will run until 9th March. The tournament will feature eight top teams divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
- Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia
Matches will be held across three major venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—and one venue in Dubai. Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match, while one of the most highly anticipated games will be between Pakistan and India on 23rd February, which will take place in Dubai.
Key Dates and Matches
| Date | Match | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 19th February | Opening Match | Pakistan vs New Zealand |
| 23rd February | Pakistan vs India | Pakistan, India |
Summary
With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, the ICC detailed inspections of various stadiums in Pakistan are critical in ensuring that the venues are ready for this major international tournament. The ongoing assessments of Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore will help finalize the preparations needed to host this global cricket event.
