Pakistan Gears Up For Champions Trophy 2025 With Major Stadium Overhaul

PCB's Mohsin Naqvi acknowledges no Pakistani stadium meets international standards. Renovation of key stadiums is underway ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy at a cost of Rs12.8 billion. The Frontier Works Organisation is tasked with the upgrade, aiming to elevate the venues to world-class status.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official Mohsin Naqvi revealed on Monday that none of the stadiums in Pakistan meet international standards. In preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB has commissioned the renovation of the National Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium, and Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, costing Rs12.8 billion, according to Geo News.

During a press conference to review the renovation work at Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi emphasized the considerable difference between international stadiums and those in Pakistan. 'None of our stadiums are of international standard,' Naqvi said, as reported by Geo News.

The PCB chief affirmed that the Frontier Works Organisation is dedicated to transforming Pakistani stadiums into some of the best in the world. 'The FWO team is working tirelessly. Making our stadiums world-class and providing basic facilities is our top priority,' he stated.

On Sunday, the PCB decided to move the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction at the National Stadium for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The two-match Test series will commence on August 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This series will mark Jason Gillespie's first assignment as Pakistan's Test coach.

The second Test of the series is scheduled from August 30 to September 3. On Monday, the PCB announced the playing eleven for the first Test against Bangladesh. Key pacers like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali will feature in the match.

Pakistan's playing XI for the 1st Test against Bangladesh: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali.

(With inputs from agencies.)