National Stadium to get new makeover for Champions Trophy

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to upgrade its stadiums that are to host the Champions Trophy matches.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at the PSL 9 final in Karachi expressed his concerns about the state of the National Stadium and the need for improvements. The PCB plans to renovate the stadium without resorting to demolition of the main structure.

Detailed blueprints with measurements will be drafted and presented for approval at a PCB Governing Board meeting led by Chairman Naqvi on July 6. Once approved, construction will commence.

The existing media center will be relocated to a new position opposite a brand new digital scoreboard that will be installed. The existing hospitality boxes will undergo significant improvements to enhance the experience for guests.

The dressing rooms will be completely refurbished to meet modern standards and provide a more comfortable environment for players. There are no plans to demolish the existing enclosures, so the stadium’s seating capacity of 32,000 spectators will remain the same.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19th to March 9th, 2025, will see a total of 15 matches played across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Karachi’s National Stadium will host the opening match and a semi-final, while Lahore will host seven matches, including the final. India is slated to play all their matches in Lahore.

This revamped National Stadium, along with the other planned upgrades across Pakistan’s cricket venues, promises to create a world-class atmosphere for the Champions Trophy.

Outrage over subpar training facilities

LAHORE: A video circulating online has sparked outrage amongst Pakistani cricket fans. The footage depicts national team players, including prominent figures like Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel, engaged in fielding drills at a pre-season training camp in Karachi. However, the cause for concern lies not in the players’ efforts, but in the deplorable state of the training facilities.

The video clearly shows the players performing diving catches on a visibly worn and stained mattress. This raises serious questions about the overall training infrastructure at the stadium. The substandard ground surface not only hinders effective practice but also poses a significant risk of injuries to the players.

This revelation comes on the heels of Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Flawed fielding was a major factor in their struggles, contributing to losses against teams like USA and India. The team’s inability to progress beyond the group stage marked a significant setback, especially considering their past record of reaching the T20 World Cup semifinals six times.