Champions Trophy 2025: Gaddafi Stadium becomes Pakistan’s ‘largest’ cricket venue

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured that venues for this year’s Champions Trophy are fully prepared, as it invited the media for a tour of stadiums in Lahore and Karachi.

The eight-team, 50-over event will be the first global cricket tournament to be held in Pakistan in 28 years. However, due to ongoing tensions between the two nations, India will play all of its matches in Dubai.

Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are being upgraded for the tournament, and successful hosting of the event could lead to more international competitions being held in Pakistan.

This follows the country’s recovery from being deemed unsafe after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team.

“We are on track to complete the renovations and upgrades at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore,” said PCB spokesperson Sami Ul Hasan. "The venue is expected to be handed over to us by the end of the month. We are confident that Gaddafi Stadium will be fully operational and ready to host the Champions Trophy match between Australia and England on February 22."

As part of the preparations, the capacity of Gaddafi Stadium has been increased to 35,000, with new hospitality areas constructed to accommodate more spectators.

With a capacity of 35,000, the stadium has become Pakistan's largest cricket venue.

Lahore and Karachi will also host a tri-nation series involving New Zealand and South Africa next month as part of the final test for the venues ahead of the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.

With all preparations on track, the PCB is confident that the upgraded stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will meet international standards, showcasing Pakistan’s readiness to host major global cricket events once again.