A 6-member ICC team along with the PCB chief reached Gaddafi Stadium to review the preparations.
Pakistan is going to host the Champions Trophy, but the preparations of the host country are not yet complete. This came to light on Thursday, when an ICC team arrived in Lahore to inspect the preparations.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended the construction period. It is targeted to be completed by January 25. A board official said that they will complete the renovation work on time.
The Champions Trophy matches are scheduled to be held in Pakistan's Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi from February 19. In such a situation, the host is renovating the Gaddafi Stadium.
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PCB chief briefed details of preparations with ICC team.
A PCB official said-
All the work (regarding the stadium) will be completed by the first week of February. Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy successfully. No need to pay attention to any rumor. We are committed to give our best. There are some people who are trying to tarnish the image of Pakistan on social media. We know who they are and why they are doing this.
Tri series venues changed a day ago The PCB had changed the venues of the tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa on January 8 a day earlier. Earlier the 4-match series was scheduled to be played in Multan, but now the matches will be played in Lahore and Karachi. The triangular series will start from February 8.
PCB gave a statement – The renovation work of Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi's National Cricket Stadium is almost complete. That is why the board allowed both the venues to host the ODI tri-series. Earlier, the series between New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan was scheduled to be held in Multan.
If the stadium is not ready by February 12, the tournament will be shifted PCB is renovating its two stadiums from August-2024 last year. The renovation work was to be completed by December 31. which has not been completed yet.
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