PCB shifts tri-nation matches
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 the completion of major upgrades in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Gaddafi Stadium has undergone significant renovations to enhance the fan and player experience. The stadium's capacity has been expanded to 35,000 with new, comfortable seating arrangements. To improve the broadcast quality, 480 advanced LED lights have been installed, along with two massive digital replay screens, set to be ready by next week. A new hospitality enclosure for players and officials is expected to be completed by January 25, with the revamped venue scheduled for inauguration later that month.
Similarly, Karachi's National Bank Stadium has seen upgrades, including 350 LED lights to improve visibility for global broadcasts, a new hospitality area at the University End, and 5,000 additional seating options for fans.
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is also being prepared for future events with smaller updates. These include installing 10,000 new chairs, improving hospitality boxes, and adding two new digital replay screens.
The PCB confirmed that preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are progressing smoothly. The upgraded stadiums in Lahore and Karachi are set to host key matches, ensuring world-class facilities for players and fans alike.
Over 250 workers are currently involved in the projects, working around the clock to meet the January 25 deadline.
PCB curators, led by Tony Hemming, are also maintaining the quality of the playing surfaces at all three venues to ensure top-notch conditions for upcoming international events.
ICC delegation in Karachi to inspect CT preparations
The delegation will conduct a detailed inspection of the ongoing construction work at the stadium, including a review of the five-story building currently under construction
An International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation has arrived in Karachi to review the preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The team is set to visit the National Stadium and assess the arrangements for the tournament, scheduled to begin on February 19.
The delegation will conduct a detailed inspection of the ongoing construction work at the stadium, including a review of the five-story building currently under construction. The team will also examine various sections of the stadium in preparation for the event.
The opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy will take place at the National Stadium, with the first match scheduled between Pakistan and New Zealand on the same day. The stadium will host three matches during the tournament.
This is the latest in a series of visits to ensure everything is in place for the prestigious event. Notably, the first visit was conducted by ICC's security head David Maskell, followed by a second visit where Senior Manager of Event Operations Sarah Edgar and Manager Aun Zaidi reviewed the preparations. The third visit was carried out by Manager Aoun Zaidi along with Broadcasting Supervisor Mansoor Minch.
Babar Azam moves up in ICC Test rankings
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the latest Test players' rankings, showcasing significant progress by Pakistani cricketers.
In the latest rankings, Babar Azam has made an impressive leap of five spots to secure the 12th position. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has also advanced two places, now ranked 19th.
Pakistan's Test captain, Shan Masood, climbed 12 places to reach the 45th spot, while Salman Ali Agha improved by one position, securing the 22nd spot in the rankings. Among batters, England's Joe Root continues to hold the top position, followed by teammate Harry Brook in second place, and New Zealand's Kane Williamson in third.
In the ICC Test Bowlers' Rankings, India's Jasprit Bumrah remains the top-ranked bowler. Australia's Pat Cummins and South Africa's Kagiso Rabada each gained one spot, moving to second and third positions, respectively.
Australia's Scott Boland made a remarkable jump of 29 places to enter the top 10, securing the 10th spot.