The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed plans to significantly boost the spectator capacity at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Currently seating 21,000 fans, the stadium’s capacity is set to expand to an impressive 34,000 in preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Jawaid Qazi Ahmed, the PCB’s Director of Infrastructure, announced that construction crews are working tirelessly around the clock to make this expansion a reality. The ambitious project, with an estimated cost of 7.5 billion rupees, is expected to reach completion by December 31, 2024. To enhance viewing angles, trees are being cleared, and spectator enclosures are being repositioned closer to the pitch.
As the ICC delegation is slated to visit Pakistan in late October or early November, the PCB is making every effort to ensure that Gaddafi Stadium is fully prepared to host international cricket matches. The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, will serve as a key opportunity to test the stadium’s new capabilities.
Pakistan finds itself grouped with India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand in Group A for the tournament. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is awaiting government approval to confirm its participation in matches held in Pakistan.
PCB chief reviews the progress of the Gaddafi Stadium renovation project.
The tournament will see matches hosted in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with Lahore taking center stage by hosting seven matches, including the final. Karachi will kick off the tournament with the opening match and a semi-final, while Rawalpindi will stage five matches, including the other semi-final. The semi-finals are set for March 5 and 6, leading up to the final on March 9.