The thrill of cricket! The rush of adrenaline as the ball hurtles towards the boundary, the roar of the crowd as the batsman takes a majestic six, and the agony of defeat when the team falls short. For a cricket fan in Pakistan, the past few decades have been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The sport has been a constant companion, a source of joy and heartache, and a symbol of national pride.
But for a generation of Pakistani cricket fans, there's something missing – the experience of watching an ICC event on home soil. It's been 28 long years since Pakistan last hosted an ICC tournament, and for many young fans, the thrill of watching international cricket in their own country is a distant dream.
This is a generation that has grown up watching cricket on TV, following the game on social media, and reading about the exploits of their heroes in the newspapers. They've heard stories of the iconic moments in Pakistani cricket history – Javed Miandad's six off Chetan Sharma, Imran Khan's leadership in the 1992 World Cup, and the emergence of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis as one of the most feared fast bowling duos in the world.
But they've never experienced the electric atmosphere of a live ICC event in Pakistan. They've never felt the pride of watching their team take on the best in the world in front of a packed stadium. They've never been part of the deafening roar of the crowd as the Pakistani team takes the field.
That's all about to change with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
As the defending champions of the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan is eager to put up a strong show in front of its home crowd. However, India's decision on not playing in Pakistan has cast a shadow over the event. Despite the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) efforts to persuade the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan, the BCCI has refused to do so. As a result, if India qualifies for the final, the match will be held in Dubai instead of Lahore.
After a long interval, the month of February brought a plethora of cricket activities to Pakistan, satiating the thirst of cricket enthusiasts nationwide. The excitement was palpable, especially in the second week of February, as fans witnessed the renovation of two iconic stadiums, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Stadium in Karachi, which have been the backbone of Pakistan cricket for decades. The icing on the cake was the visit of two international teams, South Africa and New Zealand, who joined Pakistan for a thrilling tri-series.
This flurry of cricket activities came at a crucial time, with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner. Scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, this mega event marks a significant milestone for Pakistan, as it will be hosting an ICC event after a gap of 28 years. The last time Pakistan hosted an ICC event was in 1996, when it co-hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
As Pakistan prepares to host the tournament, the excitement is palpable. The renovation of iconic stadiums like Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi is a proof to the PCB's efforts to provide a world-class experience for fans and players alike.
For the young fans, this is a momentous occasion. It's a chance to experience the thrill of live international cricket, to watch their heroes in action, and to be part of a global event that will showcase the best of Pakistani cricket. It's an opportunity to create new memories, to forge new bonds with fellow fans, and to be part of a community that's passionate, dedicated, and proud.
Revamped venues
The countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began with the inauguration of the renovated Gaddafi Stadium on February 7. The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, had set an ambitious target to complete the renovation within a specific timeframe, and remarkably, he achieved it. However, some aspects of the renovation had to be left for completion after the Champions Trophy.
The renovation of Gaddafi Stadium, one of Pakistan's most iconic cricket venues, was a massive undertaking. The stadium's new pavilion features five-star facilities for players, match officials, and dignitaries, meeting the ICC's highest standards. The spectators will also be brought closer to the action, with enclosures moved 20 feet forward, and new imported seats, cutting-edge high-res replay screens, and other upgrades will ensure a premium match-day experience.
However, the renovation of the Karachi’s Stadium, which was also inaugurated recently, has received some criticism. While the stadium's new look is impressive, some fans have pointed out flaws in the construction and overall experience. The installation of new floodlights, renovation of buildings, and removal of grills have been appreciated, but some have expressed disappointment with the quality of the new seats and the lack of amenities.
The inaugural ceremony at the two stadiums was a grand affair, with free entry for all. The stadium was packed, but it was clear that the crowd was not just there to admire the renovated stadium. They were there to experience the excitement of live cricket, to watch their heroes in action, and to be part of a global event. But as we explore deeper into the renovations, it becomes clear that there is more to the story than meets the eye.
A thrilling prelude
As the inaugural ceremonies of the two iconic stadiums generated immense excitement among cricket fans, the Tri-Nation Series matches added fuel to the fire. Sandwiched between the two inaugurations, the first two matches of the series were played in Lahore, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match on February 8. Unfortunately, Pakistan's campaign began on a sour note, as they lost to New Zealand by 78 runs. The Kiwis continued their winning streak in the second match, defeating South Africa by 6 wickets
Then the series moved to Karachi where after the inauguration on February 11 the first match at the revamped Stadium was Pakistan vs South Africa on February 12, which was a treat for the fans. Captain Muhammad Rizwan and Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha led by example, scoring centuries and guiding their team to a resounding 6-wicket victory. This win not only thrilled the crowd but also secured Pakistan's spot in the final.
The final, held on February 14, was a nail-biting encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand. Despite the hosts' valiant efforts, New Zealand's unbeaten streak in the series continued, as they emerged victorious by 5 wickets. Though Pakistan lost the final, they provided the fans with an unforgettable experience, keeping them on the edge of their seats until the very last over.
For many fans, especially those witnessing their first international match, the Tri-Nation Series was an absolute delight. The excitement was palpable, and the electric atmosphere at the stadiums was a proof of the passion of Pakistani cricket fans. However, despite the PCB's efforts, some fans felt that more could have been done to prepare for the mega event. As the Champions Trophy approaches, the fans' expectations are high, and it remains to be seen whether the PCB can deliver a world-class experience.
Fan feedback
What was the real motivation behind the renovations? Was it to provide a world-class experience for fans and players, or was it to showcase Pakistan's ability to host international cricket events? The answer lies somewhere in between.
The Express Tribune talked to fans at the inaugural ceremony of the Karachi and Lahore stadium, and one of the fans in Karachi, Halima Abid, shared her experience, saying: "I'm glad to see the renovations at the Karachi stadium, but from a fan's perspective, there's still room for improvement. While the views are better than before, the grills blocking our view need to be removed completely to create a more immersive experience with the players on the field."
Halima also noted that the renovations seemed to focus on the players, likely in preparation for visiting international teams. "It's clear that the renovations have focused on enhancing the experience for the players as they built the new building for the teams and for the hospitatality boxes, but the experience for the fans present at the stands remains largely unchanged, with the same old seats and pavilions.”
When asked about the overall experience, Halima stated, "While the renovations have improved things, there's still a lot of work to be done. To match international standards, I think the stands should be elevated and possibly made double-story. I'm hopeful that future upgrades will prioritize the fan experience."
Another fan, Javed Kaleem, shared his concerns about the newly installed screens. "They have installed new screens, but the placement of the screens is not ideal," he said. "The area where they have installed screens is right in front of the pavilion behind it, which blocks the view of the people sitting behind it. This will result in people moving to the sides to have a clear view, so this way around 100 seats will be unusable as no one would like to sit behind the screens blocking their view of the cricket match."
Hasan Abbas, another cricket enthusiast, expressed frustration with the entry process. "I've been trying to get in, but they have closed most of the gates," he said. "They have allowed free entry, and I can see that there's a lot of space inside the stadium, but they're not letting us in. This is why people are climbing the walls and getting into the stadium. They should have opened the gates and increased security to manage all this. I hope this is not the case during the Champions Trophy, because many international fans will be here, and if they witness this, they won't have a good image of Pakistan."
We also spoke to fans in Lahore, who shared their thoughts on the renovations. Talha Haider expressed skepticism about the motivations behind the renovations. "I think this was just for optics and publicity for the chairman, rather than actually focusing on increasing the experience for the fans," he said.
Haider acknowledged that the renovations had improved the view, but noted that key features were still missing. "It's much better to see a clear view, but they still haven't installed a rooftop. I know it's in their plans for the next phase, but if they knew they were hosting the Champions Trophy, they should have started work before."
Haider was also critical of the timing of the renovations. "They're saying the chairman completed the renovation in 120 days, but we knew we were hosting the Champions Trophy a long time ago. They should have started preparations back then, instead of starting at the last minute and then selling it as their win in completing the renovation in 120 days."
"I believe this is just a publicity stunt for the chairman, and he's succeeded in that. But if you talk about the overall experience, I think it has increased, but not up to the level of other international stadiums around the world,” he added.
Criticisms and controversies
The renovation of the two iconic stadiums has not been without its controversies. One of the major concerns was the safety of the players. The incident involving New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra, who sustained a forehead injury during a match, raised questions about the floodlights at the stadium. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif blamed the LED lights, saying they can make it difficult for players to see the ball. This incident sparked a heated debate about the PCB's priorities and whether they had compromised on safety in their haste to complete the renovations.
The legacy of the Gaddafi Stadium's name continues to be a topic of debate. Despite previous discussions, the stadium's name remains unchanged, which may be seen as insensitive or outdated. The decision not to rename the stadium has sparked criticism, with some arguing that it is time for Pakistan to move on from its past associations and forge a new identity.
The accessibility and parking issues at the renovated stadiums have also been a concern. With the increased seating capacity, the lack of adequate parking and accessibility arrangements has raised questions about the PCB's planning and execution.
These controversies serve as a reminder that there is still much work to be done. The PCB must address these concerns and prioritize the safety, security, and experience of the fans and players. Only then can Pakistan truly showcase its ability to host a world-class cricket event.
What’s next?
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, comes closer, Pakistan's cricketing landscape is set to remain abuzz with excitement. The country is gearing up to host another major international cricket event - the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 Qualifiers. Scheduled to take place in April, the qualifying matches will be held in multiple cities across Pakistan, featuring women's teams from six countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and the West Indies.
This development is a proof of Pakistan's growing reputation as a reliable host for international cricket events. The ICC's decision to award the 2028 women's T20 World Cup to Pakistan, as compensation for not hosting India at the Champions Trophy, is a significant vote of confidence in the country's ability to stage high-profile tournaments.
As Pakistan prepares to host these upcoming events, the question remains: will the country learn from its experience and make better improvements for the next event? The answers will unfold in the coming months, but one thing, however, is clear: there is a lot of live cricket coming up for young cricket fans in Pakistan.
A generation that had grown up watching cricket on TV and mobile screens will once again grow up watching live international cricket in stadiums. The excitement, the thrill, and the sense of community that comes with watching live cricket will be a defining experience for this new generation of cricket enthusiasts. As Pakistan embarks on this new era of international cricket, one can't help but feel a sense of optimism and excitement for the future of the sport in the country.