PCB shifts tri-nation ODI series to Lahore, Karachi

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced shifting the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to the newly revamped Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

The tri-nation series, featuring New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan, was originally scheduled to be held in Multan, the PCB said in a press release on Wednesday.

Announcing the change in venues, the cricketing body said that “preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 were in full swing” as both said stadiums are near completion.

The PCB, in a statement, assured the fans and media that all upgrade work was progressing on schedule and would be completed before or around the set deadlines.

Upgradation work before CT 2025

PCB said that the spectator capacity at Gaddafi Stadium has been increased to 35,000, with new chairs installed throughout the venue.

“Additionally, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for fans worldwide,” the statement read.

Furthermore, two giant digital replay screens – measuring 80 feet x 30 feet and 22 feet x 35 feet – will be installed next week and the stadium will be inaugurated in the last week of January.

A brand-new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure has also been created, which will be operational by January 25.

In addition to that, the PCB said significant enhancements have been made at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. A new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure at the University End is near completion.

According to the statement, “350 LED lights have been installed to improve broadcast coverage. Two digital replay screens have already been fixed, and 5,000 new chairs have been installed.”

Furthermore, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium also underwent minor touch-ups including the installation of 10,000 new chairs, degradation of hospitality boxes, and the installation of two digital replay screens, the statement read.

Throughout the upgrade process, PCB curators, under the supervision of Tony Hemming, have diligently maintained the outfields and playing surfaces to keep them protected, healthy, and fresh, the statement read.