Lahore, Karachi become hosts of tri-nation series

ISLAMABAD: The tri-nation ODI series, which will serve as a prelude to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has been shifted to newly-upgraded venues of Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

The series that will get underway from February 8 will see Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa getting engaged in a single league format with two best teams making it to the final on February 14.

“Given the advanced stage of preparations at Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to relocate the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues. The series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa alongside Pakistan, was originally scheduled to be held in Multan,” a PCB’s handout says.

The decision to shift the venue was taken after getting assurance from the concerned on the completion of all the upgradation work well in time. The PCB assured the fans, spectators and media that all upgradation work was progressing on schedule and would be completed before or around the set deadlines.

It has been assured that all the upgradation work will be finalised before January 31 after which the stadiums will be ready for operation. Meanwhile, Gaddafi Stadium’s capacity will be increased to 35,000, with new chairs installed throughout the venue.

Additionally, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for the fans worldwide. To further elevate the spectator experience, two giant digital replay screens -- measuring 80 x 30 feet and 22 x 35 feet -- will be installed next week. The stadium is set to be inaugurated in the last week of January.

A brand-new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure has also been created, which will be operational by January 25. The iconic stadium is set to provide an unparalleled experience for all stakeholders.

At the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, significant enhancements have been made, including creation of a new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure at the University end. To improve broadcast coverage, 350 LED lights have been installed, ensuring optimal visibility for global audience. Two digital replay screens have already been fixed, and 5,000 new chairs have been installed to enhance spectator comfort.

Pindi Stadium is undergoing minor touch-ups, focusing on the installation of over 10,000 new chairs, upgrades to hospitality boxes and the installation of two digital replay screens. These improvements are designed to ensure the stadium exceeds international standards for upcoming events.

While construction work on the stadiums continued, PCB curators, under the supervision of Tony Hemming, have maintained the outfields and playing surfaces to keep them protected, healthy and fresh. To prioritise these efforts, no competitive cricket has been played in Lahore and Karachi since the commencement of the upgrades, while Rawalpindi last hosted a match late last year.