PCB claims Champions Trophy preparations on schedule

The Pakistan Cricket Board has allayed fears about the readiness of the grounds for thw Champions Trophy as it welcomed media for a tour of stadiums in Karachi and Lahore. 

The eight-team mega event will be the first world tournament to be organised in Pakistan in 28 years. However, India, will play all their games in Dubai due to the hostile relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

Stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi are being renovated.

PCB spokesperson Sami Ul Hasan said:“We are on schedule to complete the renovation and upgrade of the Gaddafi Stadium.”

He added that the venue is expected to be handed over to us by the month-end.

The spokesperson said they are sure about the Gaddafi Stadium’s operational readiness to host the Champions Trophy match between Australia and England on February 22.

He further said that the Gaddafi Stadium’s capacity has been increased to accommodate 35,000 fans and new hospitality areas have been built.

Karachi and Lahore will host a tri-nation series, involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa next month to prove their readiness for the Champions Trophy beginning on Feb 19.