ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Struggles to Complete Stadiums, UAE on Standby

Dubai - With just 43 days left until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan’s cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the return of a major ICC event to their homeland after nearly three decades. However, the excitement is shadowed by delays in stadium construction, raising concerns that the tournament might be moved to the UAE.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is under immense pressure to meet the January 25 deadline for completing three venues—National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. These are set to host all matches except those featuring India. Construction work, which began in August 2024, was supposed to be completed by December 31 but remains ongoing due to unforeseen delays and severe winter weather.

Challenges and Updates - Severe Weather Conditions: Extreme cold and dense fog in Pakistan have significantly slowed construction progress, with viral videos showing workers struggling to keep up amid harsh conditions.

January 25 Deadline Looms - The ICC has set a strict deadline for stadium readiness. Failure to meet this date could see the tournament shifted to the UAE, which has hosted numerous international cricket events in the past.

Venues in Question - 

• National Stadium, Karachi: Requires extensive upgrades to meet international standards.
• Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore: Construction work on seating and player facilities is incomplete.
• Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Lags behind on key structural improvements.

UAE as a Contingency Plan-  With world-class venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the UAE is prepared to step in as the alternate host if Pakistan fails to deliver on time.

Historic Moment at Stake - This is Pakistan’s first ICC tournament since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Hosting the Champions Trophy is seen as a landmark opportunity to restore its place in international cricket.

PCB’s Optimism - Despite the challenges, the PCB remains hopeful of meeting the deadline. Officials have stated that all efforts are being made to accelerate construction while ensuring safety and quality standards. “We understand the significance of this tournament for Pakistan, and we are committed to delivering on time,” a PCB spokesperson said.