The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is less than two weeks away, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not leaving any stone unturned to make this event more than perfect. Pakistan has not hosted any ICC tournament since the 1996 World Cup, and to make the upcoming marquee event, the board spent millions on renovating their iconic stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Stadium, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are almost ready to host the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to get underway on February 19 with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the tournament opener.
PCB prepares for the perfect ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with security drills in Lahore
Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board has come up with a unique idea to catch the pitch invader at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The PCB has been providing training to the security personnel on how to deal with the pitch invaders during the upcoming tournament.
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In a viral video, some security staff were seen rushing onto the ground to catch the mock intruders and escort them off the field. This training was organized by the PCB and local security officials at Gaddafi Stadium as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of players and prevent any security threats during matches in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2024 and Tri-nation ODI series.
Officials practising how to catch a pitch invader at the Gaddafi Stadium #Cricket pic.twitter.com/wyPgqedmKY
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) February 7, 2025
no way pakistan cricket board actually conducting special drills on how to catch a fan inside stadium 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/NQRWJpR7h3
— kunal (@kyunaaaal) February 7, 2025
Meanwhile, an ICC delegation recently visited Gaddafi Stadium to assess its preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. During the inspection, they reviewed several facilities at the stadium, including the media boxes, dressing rooms, and enclosures, and were pleased with the progress.
New moat, VIP enclosures, and modern upgrades set to transform Gaddafi Stadium
The PCB also confirmed that renovations at the stadium are almost complete, with the newly renovated venue set to be inaugurated on February 8, ahead of the tri-nation ODI series. A major highlight of the Gaddafi Stadium renovation is the addition of a 10-foot-wide moat that separates the stands from the ground.
This feature has been added to improve security by preventing pitch invasions and also helps with better drainage, replacing the old steel cage barrier. Additionally, a protective net will be installed over the trench to keep the ball in the ground to make sure there is no delay in the game.
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The Nation has reported: “Two VVIP enclosures, named after cricketing legends Zaheer Abbas and Majid Khan, have been added to honor their contributions to Pakistan cricket. The installation of modern LED floodlights, high-resolution SMD screens, and upgraded seating have significantly enhanced the viewing experience, ensuring that the stadium meets the highest international standards.”
Saim Ayub ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025
On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Saim Ayub will be sidelined for at least another five weeks due to an ankle injury that he sustained in South Africa in January 2025. This means Ayub will miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and his availability for Pakistan’s upcoming white-ball series in New Zealand remains uncertain.
The PCB confirmed that Ayub is making good progress in recovering from his right ankle fracture. He is currently in England, where he will continue his rehabilitation.
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