ICC delegation to visit Lahore for CT inspection

An International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is scheduled to visit Lahore from November 10 to 12 to inspect arrangements for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be hosted in Pakistan. During the visit, a significant event related to the prestigious tournament is expected, with the schedule and other key details likely to be announced.

Sources have confirmed that the tournament schedule has already been shared with member countries, and this visit will provide the ICC with an opportunity to assess preparations and logistics ahead of the event.

The official event on November 11 is expected to feature prominent figures including cricketers who will be invited to attend.

As per the proposed schedule, Pakistan will be placed in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B consists of England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. The BCCI is awaiting consultations with the Indian government before confirming participation in matches hosted in Pakistan.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Matches will be played across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Lahore hosting seven matches, including the final.

Karachi's National Stadium will stage the opening match and one semi-final, while Rawalpindi will host five matches, including the other semi-final. The semi-finals are set for March 5 and 6, with the final taking place in Lahore on March 9.

LED floodlights installed at Gaddafi Stadium

The renovation of Lahore's iconic Gaddafi Stadium has taken a major step forward, with the venue now set to install new LED floodlights across its six towers, enhancing visibility for players and fans alike. This initiative is part of an ongoing upgradation project by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) aimed at preparing the stadium for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

So far, the old lights on three of the six towers have been dismantled, with the replacement process continuing on the remaining towers. Once the existing lights are fully removed, all towers will be equipped with state-of-the-art LED floodlights, designed to provide a brighter, energy-efficient lighting solution that meets international standards.

To elevate the fan experience, the PCB also plans to install two cutting-edge screens in the stadium, enabling spectators to enjoy an immersive viewing experience throughout the eight-nation tournament.

The upgradation, which is nearing 50% completion, recently received a nod of approval from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who inspected the renovations on-site. Naqvi also announced plans to set up a cricket museum and souvenir shop at the stadium, aiming to provide fans with a deeper connection to the sport's legacy.

"The stadium is now set to become world-class," Naqvi stated, underscoring the PCB's commitment to providing top-notch facilities for both fans and players."

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will see Pakistan competing in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.

Matches are set to be hosted in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Lahore will host seven games, including the grand finale on March 9, with Karachi set to stage the tournament opener and one semi-final, and Rawalpindi to host five matches, including the other semi-final.