Latest News on Champions Trophy:

It is learned from trusted sources that the venues to be used for the mega ICC event, The Champions Trophy are yet to be fully ready.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) risks losing the hosting rights if the stadium renovation is not completed on time. 25^th January was the deadline.

Status on stadium work

There are chatters doing the rounds on shifting the Champions Trophy out of Pakistan if the renovation work is not completed on time.

PCB official: Preparations are in full swing and all the work related to the stadiums will be done by the first week of February.

The Champions Trophy will commence on February 19. The eight-team tournament, featuring 15 contests, will conclude on March 9.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, and the Dubai (UAE) Stadium are scheduled to host the matches of the Champions Trophy.

While work on the stadium renovation started in August of last year, the delay in completion has raised a few eyebrows as 31st December was the expected completion day.

As per reports, If the venues are not ready for handover by February 12^th, the entire tournament may have to be shifted to the UAE.

Also Read: Cricket Ball Standards and ICC-Approved Balls for Champions Trophy 2025

SuperSports View

We at Supersports believe that there is a lot at stake for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and they will not risk the humiliation of not getting the stadium ready by the final deadline. Also, how can a tournament be moved and scheduled to a new location at such short notice? Highly Unlikely!

Pakistan will host 6 of the 12 group stage games.

“All the work (related to stadiums) will be done by the first week of February. Pakistan will successfully host the Champions Trophy. No need to go by any rumors. We are committed to give our best. Some people are trying to tarnish Pakistan’s image on social media. We know who all they are and why they are doing this,” the PCB official told IANS.

The venue for the short series before the tournament for South Africa and New Zealand games has been moved.  This only fuels the rumours that the Stadiums are indeed not ready.