A week after the spectacular inauguration of Lahore’s revamped Gaddafi Stadium, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now gearing up to unveil new features at the newly renovated National Stadium, Karachi, on Tuesday.
Both stadiums have undergone rapid renovations in preparation for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025.
The grand opening of National Bank Cricket Arena will be a vibrant affair, featuring a mix of music and celebration. The PCB has invited renowned Test cricketers from Karachi to grace the occasion and add to the event’s grandeur.
Reports suggest that certain enclosures in the stadium will be named after cricketing legends Shahid Afridi and Younis Khan.
Excitement is already building, with singer Ali Zafar expressing his enthusiasm on social media:
“Maza aa gaya Lahore, next one Karachi stadium 11th InshaAllah! Karachi tayyar ho?!!”
Spectators can attend the event for free by presenting their ID cards. The ceremony will include musical performances by Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali, and Sahir Ali Bagga, along with a fireworks display and a dazzling light show to entertain the crowd.
Champions Trophy 2025: A Grand Cricketing Spectacle
Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy 2025, a prestigious tournament that will highlight the country’s soft image on a global stage. The event will take place from February 19 to March 9, with the PCB having until February 11 to finalize squad changes.
The opening match will be held at the National Stadium on February 19, featuring a clash between Pakistan and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Pakistan-India match will take place under a hybrid model in the UAE on February 23 (Sunday).
In preparation for the tournament, Karachi police have announced a detailed traffic plan to ensure smooth access for fans and officials.
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium: A Historic Makeover
One of the key venues for Champions Trophy 2025, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, was officially inaugurated on February 7, following its completion in a record 117 days.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who inaugurated the venue, praised the PCB and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi for their efficient management. In a lighthearted remark, he referred to the rapid completion as the “era of Mohsin Speed.”
The prime minister also expressed hope that Pakistan’s cricketers would perform exceptionally well in the tournament, particularly against India, and bring joy to the nation’s cricket-loving fans.
Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi commended the dedication of the 1,500+ laborers involved in the renovation. Many of these workers had remained on-site for three months straight to ensure timely completion. In recognition of their efforts, the PCB chairman hosted a special luncheon in their honor, personally visiting their tables and taking selfies with them.
With both Lahore and Karachi ready to host world-class cricket, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a spectacle to remember!
