The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the upcoming tri-nation ODI series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, will now be held in Lahore and Karachi instead of Multan.
The matches will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, both of which are nearing completion of extensive renovations in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Gaddafi Stadium, one of Pakistan’s most iconic cricket venues, has undergone significant upgrades to enhance the experience for fans and players alike.
The stadium now boasts a seating capacity of 35,000, with improved seating arrangements for added comfort.
Broadcast quality will be elevated with the installation of 480 state-of-the-art LED lights and two large digital replay screens, expected to be ready next week.
Additionally, a new hospitality area for players and officials is under construction and is scheduled for completion by January 25. The revamped stadium is set to be inaugurated later that month.
Similarly, Karachi’s National Bank Stadium has seen substantial improvements, including the installation of 350 LED lights for enhanced broadcast quality, an upgraded hospitality section at the University End, and 5,000 additional seats for spectators.
While Lahore and Karachi are the focus of major upgrades, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is also undergoing minor improvements to prepare for future events. These include 10,000 new chairs, upgrades to hospitality boxes, and the installation of two new digital replay screens.
The PCB has assured that preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are on track, with Lahore and Karachi’s upgraded venues ready to host key matches. Over 250 workers are working tirelessly to meet the January 25 deadline.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, PCB curators, led by Tony Hemming, are working to ensure the playing surfaces at all three venues are in top condition for upcoming international fixtures, guaranteeing world-class conditions for players and fans.
