PCB chairman announces Gaddafi Stadium inauguration, invites ICC chairman Jay Shah for the opening ceremony

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be inaugurated on February 7, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set to lead the ceremony. The inauguration will mark the completion of extensive renovations ahead of the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking to the media from the stadium, Naqvi praised the efforts of all those involved in the redevelopment process, emphasizing that the final touches were being applied and the venue would be fully ready by the scheduled date. “We had begun demolishing this stadium in September, with construction starting in October. We promised it would be ready by the end of January, and you can all see how close it is to completion,” he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Alongside Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Stadium is also undergoing renovations and is expected to be ready on schedule. Naqvi confirmed that the Karachi venue will be inaugurated on February 11 by President Asif Ali Zardari, just before the start of the tri-series featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand.

The PCB has also planned a grand event on February 16 in Lahore, just days before the Champions Trophy begins. Naqvi revealed that invitations have been extended to all cricket board heads, ICC officials, and notably, ICC Chairman Jay Shah, for the ceremony. “We are eager to welcome the board officials and anyone else who is attending. The preparations are in full swing, and we look forward to hosting a memorable event,” he stated.

Pakistan has faced criticism over delays and uncertainty surrounding the completion of its stadium renovations, with concerns raised about whether the work would be finished in time. However, Naqvi reassured that the PCB is working tirelessly to ensure all necessary arrangements, including security and hospitality, are in place before the tournament. “We will welcome all arriving teams with proper security and top-class arrangements. The entire PCB is working day and night to provide a seamless tournament,” he added.