Afridi, Younis stands named at NSK

Two VVIP enclosures are being constructed in new building

The National Stadium is set to honor the legacy of Pakistan's cricket legends with the renaming of several enclosures as the ongoing construction work nears its final stages for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

The Majid Khan Enclosure will be renamed the Younis Khan Enclosure, while the Quaid Enclosure will take on the name of Shahid Afridi.

Additionally, the Zaheer Abbas Enclosure will be renamed in tribute to Nazar Mohammad.

Two VVIP enclosures in a newly constructed building at ground level will have a seating capacity of 1,050. These will be named the Majid Khan Enclosure and Zaheer Abbas Enclosure, further solidifying the legacy of these cricket icons.

In a recent update from the National Stadium, work on the far-end building has made significant progress. Three floors have already been completed, and partition work is currently underway on the top floor.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is nearly finished, with final cleaning and touch-ups being carried out. Additionally, the preparation of two VVIP stands at ground level is in full swing as part of the ongoing developments.

Meanwhile, the construction of the National Bank Stadium is in its final stages, and project director Bilal Chohan has assured that the building will be completed by January 31.

The eight-team tournament, comprising 15 matches, will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, across three venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—as well as in Dubai.

The teams are divided into two groups: Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.

Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi, while the highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

Gaddafi Stadium unveiled

Gaddafi Stadium has undergone a stunning transformation and is now presented to the world in a modern, world-class style.

The venue has been renovated in time for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to kick off next month.

Under the supervision of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the stadium's construction and decoration work has been completed in a remarkable span of just five months.

Naqvi's vision for the renovation was clear: to elevate the stadium to the standards of other iconic venues across the globe, enhancing the experience for players, officials, media, and fans alike.

The renovation reflects the PCB chairman's vision to transform Gaddafi Stadium into a world-class arena.

He highlighted that the focus has been on providing a premium experience for everyone, ensuring that every moment of the game is enjoyed to the fullest.

The final phase of the renovation is currently underway, with seat installation almost complete. One digital screen is fully functional, with another set to be ready in the coming days. Additionally, the floodlight towers have been upgraded with new bulbs, offering a spectacular visual experience for the crowd.

The renovation work is expected to be finished in the next ten days, with the stadium set to be handed over to the PCB administration in preparation for the Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa tri-series.

The first Champions Trophy match at the newly renovated stadium will take place on February 22, 2025, with a clash between traditional cricket rivals England and Australia. The tournament will begin with Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, while arch-rivals Pakistan and India will meet on February 23 in Dubai.