The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the upcoming tri-nation ODI series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, will now be held in Lahore and Karachi instead of Multan.
The matches will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, both of which are nearing completion of extensive upgrades in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Gaddafi Stadium, one of Pakistan's iconic cricket venues, has undergone major renovations to enhance both fan and player experiences. With a new seating capacity of 35,000, the stadium features upgraded seating arrangements for greater comfort.
Broadcast quality will be significantly improved with the installation of 480 advanced LED lights and two large digital replay screens, which are expected to be ready by next week.
A new hospitality area for players and officials is also under construction, with plans for completion by January 25. The revamped stadium is set for inauguration later that month.
Similarly, the National Bank Stadium in Karachi has seen several improvements, including the installation of 350 LED lights for better broadcast visibility, an upgraded hospitality section at the University End, and 5,000 additional seats for fans.
While Lahore and Karachi receive significant upgrades, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is also being prepared for future events, albeit with smaller updates. These include the addition of 10,000 new chairs, enhancements to hospitality boxes, and two new digital replay screens.
The PCB has assured that preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are progressing smoothly. The upgraded venues in Lahore and Karachi will host key matches, ensuring world-class facilities for both players and fans. More than 250 workers are currently engaged in the projects, working around the clock to meet the January 25 deadline.
In addition to venue upgrades, PCB curators, led by Tony Hemming, are focused on maintaining the quality of the playing surfaces at all three stadiums to ensure top-tier conditions for the upcoming international fixtures.
