PCB Reacts as Champions Trophy Faces Potential Relocation

On Wednesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the relocation of the forthcoming ODI tri-series, involving South Africa and New Zealand, from Multan to Karachi and Lahore. The decision came in reply to discussions about delays in the renovation work at the venues ahead of the Champions Trophy in the next month. The tri-series serves as a predecessor to the ICC event, set to begin on February 19 in Karachi. The PCB said that preparations for the Champions Trophy are progressing well, with renovation work at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on track to meet the deadlines. "Given the advanced stage of preparations at the Gaddafi Stadium and the National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to relocate the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues."

"The series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa alongside Pakistan, was originally scheduled to be held in Multan," PCB noted this in a statement. "This decision reflects the PCB's confidence in the readiness of these upgraded venues and their ability to deliver a world-class experience for players, officials, and fans alike," they said.

Previously in the day, several social media users posted videos from the Champions Trophy venues in Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. One report indicated that one of the stadiums had incomplete plaster work. The images displayed a deep sight with all three stadiums far from completion, requiring substantial work including seating, floodlights, facilities, outfield, and playing surfaces. A source was quoted by the Times of India stating, "It is a very disappointing picture. All 3 stadiums are far from ready and it's not renovation or restoration, but proper construction which is underway. There is too much work left with seats, floodlights, facilities and even the outfield and playing surfaces."

"The weather is not ideal for construction and finishing work to happen at a rapid pace. At Gaddafi, even the plaster work isn't completed yet. And most of the time is taken by finishing work because we are talking about dressing rooms etc. They just can't be random rooms/enclosures for an ICC event. ICC has a checklist which needs to be met. National Stadium has decided to not completely finish the new enclosure because there is no time." 

Basically, host countries for international events hand over the venues to the International Cricket Council (ICC) well in advance, so they can conduct a quality check and make important arrangements.

"It's a no-brainer on what would happen if PCB misses deadlines and venues don't meet ICC checklist. Tournament can't be played at semi-ready venues. The next week will give more clarity on the future but PCB and ICC together need to pull off a miracle," the report said at the end.

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