With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just over a month away, concerns are mounting about Pakistan’s readiness to host the prestigious tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing significant challenges related to stadium preparations, security assurances, and logistical arrangements.
Here are the key issues that raise doubts about Pakistan’s ability to successfully host the event.
Stadium Renovation Delays
The primary issue facing Pakistan is the incomplete renovation of key cricket venues, including the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Originally slated for completion by December 31, 2024, the renovation work has been plagued by delays.
As of January 8, 2025, reports indicate that these venues remain far from ready, with construction still ongoing.
The PCB has invested approximately Rs 12 billion into upgrading facilities, which include new dressing rooms, media centers, hospitality boxes, and improved seating arrangements.
Visual evidence from recent inspections shows that many essential features—such as floodlights and seating—are still incomplete.
For instance, Gaddafi Stadium is expected to host critical matches, including a semi-final and potentially the final. However, ongoing construction has left it looking more like a building site than a ready venue.
The PCB’s assurances that 90% of the work is complete have been met with skepticism as various aspects of the stadium remain unfinished.
Security Concerns
Security has been a longstanding issue for international cricket in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed reluctance to send its players to Pakistan due to safety concerns.
While PCB officials have promised robust security arrangements for the tournament, no concrete guarantees have been provided.
This uncertainty has led to discussions about moving matches to neutral venues if security issues cannot be adequately addressed.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and plans to send a team to assess the readiness of the venues. Informal discussions about relocating matches to alternative locations, such as the UAE, have already begun.
Given that the UAE has successfully hosted major ICC events in the past, it could serve as a viable backup if conditions do not improve.
Potential Venue Relocation
With time running out and significant challenges remaining unaddressed, there are increasing calls for relocating the tournament out of Pakistan altogether.
The ICC has made it clear that it cannot host matches at venues that do not meet its stringent safety and quality standards.
If the PCB fails to meet its commitments by the February 12 deadline for handing over stadiums to the ICC, matches will likely be moved elsewhere.
