Featured image credit: Pakistan Cricket Board
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the official reopening of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the start of the Champions Trophy next week.
An opening ceremony was held on Friday before the stadium hosted a one-day international between Pakistan and New Zealand the following day.
The spectator capacity at Gaddafi Stadium has been increased to 35,000, with new seats installed throughout the venue and two larger score screens fitted.
State-of-the-art LED lights have also been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, while a new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure has been created.
The renovation has been overseen by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who said: “Our venues are now on par with international standards, and we are proud to offer cricket fans the best possible experience. The transformation of this stadium in such a short time is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.
“First of all, I thank the workers who made the impossible task possible. The combined efforts of Frontier Works Organisation, NESPAK, the contractors and PCB teams have turned this dream into reality. Despite criticism, our team remained committed and Allah Ta’ala made our path easy.”
Friday’s opening ceremony featured live singing from Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar and Aima Baig, as well as a fireworks show and a light show. The event was attended by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, with entry free for locals.
Gaddafi Stadium is one of three venues that will be used during Pakistan’s staging of the Champions Trophy, alongside National Bank Stadium in Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Last month, the PCB fired back at concerns raised over stadium preparations for the hosting of the Champions Trophy.
The PCB’s release of a video of Naqvi conducting an inspection visit of Gaddafi Stadium had raised questions over the levels of preparedness ahead of the delivery deadline. The PCB insisted at the time that preparations were in “full swing”, and Gaddafi Stadium has now officially reopened on time ahead of the tournament.
The Champions Trophy will take place from February 19 to March 9. National Bank Stadium, which will host the opening match of the tournament, is set to be officially reopened tomorrow (Tuesday).
The Karachi venue has been fitted with a new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure, 350 new LED lights and 5,000 new seats, while two digital replay screens have been fixed.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is undergoing minor touch-ups, focusing on the installation of 10,000 new seats, 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.
India’s games during the tournament will take place in Dubai. This is due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s decision to not compete in Pakistan, owing to the historically fraught relations between the two countries.
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