ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Venue Update

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just 42 days away, with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand scheduled at Karachi’s National Stadium. While all three venues in Pakistan are being prepared, significant work remains unfinished, and with tournament deadlines approaching fast, the Pakistan Cricket Board is under mounting pressure to complete the preparations. Failure to do so may force alternative options to be considered, let’s look at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venue update.

Slow progress in stadium completion

As the February 12 deadline for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, concerns are growing about Pakistan’s ability to complete the necessary venue renovations in time. Originally scheduled for completion by December 31, the work has been lagging, with major infrastructure still unfinished.

Delegates from ICC are set to visit Pakistan soon to assess the situation, while discussions of relocating the tournament to the UAE are gaining traction. Gaddafi Stadium, which is aiming to host crucial matches, including a semi-final and potentially the final, is facing severe delays.

Critical components like enclosures, floodlights, and player facilities are incomplete, and the playing surface is not yet prepared. Weather conditions have hindered progress, particularly at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Both the National Stadium in Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are also struggling to meet the tight deadlines, with key areas of construction still in progress. The situation has led to a sense of urgency and disappointment within the ICC.

ICC’s Backup plan

With the way this situation is escalating and the pressure surrounding PCB, ICC is reportedly considering shifting the 2025 Champions Trophy to the UAE. UAE already has a strong history of hosting major cricket events. While this move ensures smooth execution, it would be a blow to Pakistan’s hopes of hosting a global event.

With just 42 days in hand, the PCB is under pressure to meet ICC standards. The upcoming ICC inspection will determine if Pakistan can complete the work on time or if a backup location is needed.

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