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[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Will the stadiums in Pakistan be ready on time for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

Will the stadiums in Pakistan be ready on time for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

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Champions Trophy Stadium Supervisor Breaks Silence On Renovation Delay, Slams PCB​


Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) insists that Karachi's National Stadium will be ready to host matches of the upcoming Champions Trophy despite mounting concerns around the venue's preparedness for the marquee event starting February 19. Pakistan's respected leading English daily 'Dawn' on Wednesday carried a story which stated that "it seems absolutely impossible to contemplate the renovation work being completed within the deadline, but the personnel handed the responsibility are beaming with confidence." "The board would either be hero or zero for taking up such a mammoth task," the newspaper commented.

Although PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi inspected the Rawalpindi stadium on Tuesday and assured that the Champions Trophy would be held as planned, it seems unlikely that the board would get control of the renovated venues in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi by the January 31 deadline.

The other upcoming major international matches at these venues include the four-match tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa from February 8 to 14 with the first two games in Lahore and then two matches, including the final, in Karachi.

"Look, the stadiums will be in a shape to host matches but the question is the PCB has promised everyone a world-class experience at these renovated venues for the Tri-series and Champions Trophy and whether they can deliver on that promise remains to be seen," a source, who is following the construction work, said.

Bilal Chohan, the man responsible for the renovation work, is reportedly complaining about not getting required equipment and clearances on time to complete the work in Karachi.

The panels to be installed on the new building were to be released from the Karachi Port only on Sunday night, with its installation scheduled for the next morning.

"These are the kind of things we are dealing with, but sometimes it's sad to see people bashing us," Chohan complained.

The PCB has spent around PKR 12 billion on renovation, constructions and installation of equipment at all three venues in Lahore and Karachi.

Tickets have already gone on sale but until the PCB announces they have possession of the new-look stadiums, concerns will remain.

On Tuesday, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice resigned with a board member of the world body indicating that his failure to give a clear picture of Pakistan's preparedness was among the reasons for his departure.

Source: NDTV
 
Bhaijaan said:
*Fellow Bharatiya Cricket Fans*

I urge you all to please be supportive and kind as the event is just weeks away and refrain from constant negative talk and mocking behaviour. I have also been frustrated by the delays in stadium renovations in Pakistan and I didn’t hold back in calling out the PCB for their inefficiencies. I also made funny comments till a point but there always has to be a limit.

As the tournament draws closer, I have taken a step back and reflected on what this event truly means not just for Pakistan, but for world cricket as a whole. After more than a decade, Pakistan is getting the opportunity to host a major ICC event. For their fans, players, and cricketing community, this is more than just a tournament; it is a moment of pride as top quality international cricket makes a return to their venues.

You all made your point, we heard you, I think we all are knowledgable enough to understand where things stand. I think it’s time to rest your case, set aside the banter and celebrate this tournament as true lovers of the game.

We belong to Bharat. Our country lives, breathes, eats Cricket. When we speak it carries a lot of weight because of the country we belong to in context of cricket. Let’s not use our voice for this sort of low level trolling.

I thank you all for your understanding and support in advance.

Good luck to Pakistan cricket fans for the Champions Trophy! 🇵🇰
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I echo these sentiments. Yes, we have rivalry with Pakistan...let us keep it to the game of cricket and not on the administrative side. A smooth conduct of the tournament will make it enjoyable for all of us.
 
Devadwal said:
See the above Post in This thread some delusion pakistan fans blamed BCCI/ india .

India/ BCCI has nothing to do with this fiasco .

It PCB who are incompetent so does some ICC officials who gave green light although pakistan stadium are not ready as per ICC guidelines .
:kp
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I understand it @Devadwal bro. Like you, I too get riled up when we get mocked or blamed foolishly. But think about this..the sample of size of people who do such acts is small. There is a much bigger fan base for the Pakistan cricket (that includes me) and the cricket in general than the people present in these online forums. Let us not get into blame game even when we are subjected to it.
 
ChennaiFan said:
I understand it @Devadwal bro. Like you, I too get riled up when we get mocked or blamed foolishly. But think about this..the sample of size of people who do such acts is small. There is a much bigger fan base for the Pakistan cricket (that includes me) and the cricket in general than the people present in these online forums. Let us not get into blame game even when we are subjected to it.
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Banters are fine as we are Arch - Rivals but some delusion posters are blamed india for everything happening in pakistan .

:kp
 
The Bald Eagle said:
Lol...in that case match would be abandoned instead but don't worry they will manage it before somehow
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Yes. Bare minimum requirement would be ground, flood lights and other match related facilities being ready. All the other aspects are broadcasters, spectators related.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
Champions Trophy Stadiums In A Mess In Pakistan, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice Steps Down: Report

International Cricket Council CEO Geoff Allardice has decided to step down just weeks before the Champions Trophy with a board member indicating that his failure to present a "clear picture" of host Pakistan's lack of preparedness is one of the multiple reasons behind the move. The 57-year-old joined the ICC in 2012 as General Manager of Cricket, coming from Cricket Australia, where he served as Cricket Operations Manager. He was appointed CEO of the ICC in November 2021, after having served as acting CEO for eight months.

"It has been a privilege to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council and I am incredibly proud of the results we have achieved, from enhancing the global reach of cricket to the commercial foundation put in place for ICC Members," Allardice said in a statement.

"I believe this is the right time for me to step down and pursue new challenges," he added.

The official ICC statement made no mention of the exact reasons for Allardice's departure but a top source said the development has been building up for a while.

"The ICC T20 World Cup in the US was big a flop in terms of playing conditions and also it exceeded budget, the auditing is still being done," the board member told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"What broke the camel's back was Champions Trophy where as CEO, he was supposed to give a clear picture about readiness of Pakistan to host a tourney of such magnitude," he added.

The Champions Trophy is due to start on February 19 with India playing its share of matches in Dubai owing to security concerns in Pakistan.

The bigger concern for ICC is, however, the fact that tournament venues in Karachi and Rawalpindi are still partially under construction or renovation and the images that have trickled in from there do not paint a very positive picture.

It remains to be seen whether Pakistan would be ready in time for the marquee event, which features the world's top eight teams and is being held for the first time after 2017.

However, ICC Chair Jay Shah praised Allardice for his contribution to the game.

"On behalf of the ICC Board, I want to sincerely thank Geoff for his leadership and commitment during his tenure as Chief Executive. His efforts have played a key role in advancing cricket globally.

"We are truly grateful for his service and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors," he said.

The ICC Board will now begin the process to identify Allardice's successor.


sports.ndtv.com

Champions Trophy Stadiums In A Mess In Pakistan, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice Steps Down: Report | Cricket News

Geoff Allardice has decided to step down just weeks before the Champions Trophy
sports.ndtv.com sports.ndtv.com
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Propaganda media
 
The issues Pakistan has is that it's incompetence in doing any sort of proper work which is planned and organised well in advance.

They pretty much rush everything and then that means compromised work and materials and there's no good aesthetics to the work.

There's many examples all over the country of work like that where it's rushed and then issues arise once they're completed. A few such things have been the Metro buses, and their stations the underpasses, the Islamabad airport (absolutely horrendous building) looks like it's from the 70s and is in tatters already.
 
People can present their opinions but in the end, everything will come down to the Champions trophy opener and PCB is hosting that game in Pakistan...
 
Gaddafi stadium looks truly awful. They spent so much money to make it look much more inferior to what it was before.
 
BouncerGuy said:
Have a look at the latest scenes from Gaddafi Stadium

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Stunning...yeah right.

Looks another average ground. With the roof it'd improve visually though for sure.

They could have just removed the rusted roof from the Gaddafi and then remade the entire thing after the tournament
 
BouncerGuy said:
Have a look at the latest scenes from Gaddafi Stadium

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The progress is there. After some finishing works, and when the crowd fill up the stadiums , all we will see would be flags and excited faces of the fans.

Years from now we all would be laughing at this that why why there was all this negativity. For a genuine fan of the game, all he cares about is to see his favorite cricketers. It’s ok if a bag of cement or some paint brush is lying nearby. Such things can always be ignorered.
 
shariqnoor said:
Gaddafi stadium looks truly awful. They spent so much money to make it look much more inferior to what it was before.
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GSL in 96 was a pinnacle of aesthetic & style where they spent a lot of thought in making a stadium that had unique Mughal architecture. The arches, the gates, the outer wall, the color scheme, & everything else had a truckload of character.

The fences were an issue & the fan experience was terrible as a whole because of the distance from action.

This new stadium has somewhat made the fan experience better but not as much as they should have & it's still well below any SENA ground. The construction is super bland so the roots of the stadium are lost for now. Maybe adding tiers & roof eventually will make it better. They are also working hard to fix the space around the stadium & adding greenery which will look good in drone shots.

The new lights & better screens will give a good look for television & a full stadium (hopefully) will look regal. It won't be beautiful as before but it's not ugly imo, characterless is probably the more suitable word. (You are fully entitled to your opinion & can term GSL ugly)
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
GSL in 96 was a pinnacle of aesthetic & style where they spent a lot of thought in making a stadium that had unique Mughal architecture. The arches, the gates, the outer wall, the color scheme, & everything else had a truckload of character.

The fences were an issue & the fan experience was terrible as a whole because of the distance from action.

This new stadium has somewhat made the fan experience better but not as much as they should have & it's still well below any SENA ground. The construction is super bland so the roots of the stadium are lost for now. Maybe adding tiers & roof eventually will make it better. They are also working hard to fix the space around the stadium & adding greenery which will look good in drone shots.

The new lights & better screens will give a good look for television & a full stadium (hopefully) will look regal. It won't be beautiful as before but it's not ugly imo, characterless is probably the more suitable word. (You are fully entitled to your opinion & can term GSL ugly)
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There's also this massive chapri feel to everything when it comes towards fine design. The gauge of metal pipes used in creating the fences is at least 4 inch too thick to build perimeter walls. The pavilion balconies look good but then at the end are again those same ugly metal fences which make it feel as if the pavilion is wearing a helmet.

There's a distinct lack of class in every single thing.

The PCB office building has weird architectural style, pillars are right in front of the windows, & some rooms have giant columns right in the middle. There's also no real utility in connecting the office building to the pavilion building with semi aerial bridges. The security wall ends & starts so abruptly, the backside of the pavilion is entirely a concrete wall, not a single window.

The should have spent more time in thinking this. A lot of this is just style with zero substance & even the style lacks a bit.

I just hope the parts that work are good enough to compensate for the parts that don't work.
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
There's also this massive chapri feel to everything when it comes towards fine design. The gauge of metal pipes used in creating the fences is at least 4 inch too thick to build perimeter walls. The pavilion balconies look good but then at the end are again those same ugly metal fences which make it feel as if the pavilion is wearing a helmet.

There's a distinct lack of class in every single thing.

The PCB office building has weird architectural style, pillars are right in front of the windows, & some rooms have giant columns right in the middle. There's also no real utility in connecting the office building to the pavilion building with semi aerial bridges. The security wall ends & starts so abruptly, the backside of the pavilion is entirely a concrete wall, not a single window.

The should have spent more time in thinking this. A lot of this is just style with zero substance & even the style lacks a bit.

I just hope the parts that work are good enough to compensate for the parts that don't work.
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1738238160773.png
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Look at the fine pipework. One is thick gauge, the others are all delicate so the partitions look cleaner. Now they have just used 8 inch pipes and made chapri fences.

The theme for chairs is also meh, you don't see design elements on the chairs if the stadium is full & it would have been a nice touch of color to use varied patterns.

People often forget that the original GSL was classy & the issues with screens emerged because renovation was down by total tools & clowns & they placed the screens right in the middle of stands instead of putting them on the roof or planning better.
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
There's also this massive chapri feel to everything when it comes towards fine design. The gauge of metal pipes used in creating the fences is at least 4 inch too thick to build perimeter walls. The pavilion balconies look good but then at the end are again those same ugly metal fences which make it feel as if the pavilion is wearing a helmet.

There's a distinct lack of class in every single thing.

The PCB office building has weird architectural style, pillars are right in front of the windows, & some rooms have giant columns right in the middle. There's also no real utility in connecting the office building to the pavilion building with semi aerial bridges. The security wall ends & starts so abruptly, the backside of the pavilion is entirely a concrete wall, not a single window.

The should have spent more time in thinking this. A lot of this is just style with zero substance & even the style lacks a bit.

I just hope the parts that work are good enough to compensate for the parts that don't work.
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This is just one example of what I'm talking about, the entire pillar is right in front of the windows. What's the point of this window. This is not one occurrence alone, this entire building has like three or four pillars like this if I'm not mistaken.

1738240335749.png
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
There's also this massive chapri feel to everything when it comes towards fine design.

There's a distinct lack of class in every single thing.

The PCB office building has weird architectural style, pillars are right in front of the windows, & some rooms have giant columns right in the middle.

The should have spent more time in thinking this. A lot of this is just style with zero substance & even the style lacks a bit.

I just hope the parts that work are good enough to compensate for the parts that don't work.
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With trenches ,it should have brought more pleasant experiences from the closer view but It looks lifeless and soulless.From the top view due to steep chair seating system it looks far away and awkward.i don't think top tier in the stadium will work from spectator point of view as the tier have to be built at more height than normal due to steep nature. Compared to past, failure is not an option and not appreciated / understood any more as everything is automated for more proficiency and excellence.
 
Just my opinion but that green wave doesn't look pretty at all. In fact it gives me the impression that the stadium is still incomplete.

Plus, I'm fairly certain that this wavy pattern will cause immense issues to fielders who will lose the ball in the air. If the stadium is full capacity, then it may not be an issue but the white chairs will cause an issue if the stadium is empty.

This stadium is so rushed, I'm just hoping that they didn't compromise on the structural entity by doing shortcuts. Even a partial collapse of a stand will be catastrophic.
 
With all the developments PCB made sure the stadiums are reminiscent of WW2 era
 
I think PCB did a great job bringing the stadium upto International standard and top class according to Pakistani standard
Thw viewing look alot better than what we had before that old structure was an eye sore
Thats why no 1 wanted to come and watch matches now it will be alot better and more cleaner look.

I am not saying its like optus stadium but still better than before
 
Am I wrong in concluding that Pakistan don't have a single muti-tier stadium across the country?
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
GSL in 96 was a pinnacle of aesthetic & style where they spent a lot of thought in making a stadium that had unique Mughal architecture. The arches, the gates, the outer wall, the color scheme, & everything else had a truckload of character.

The fences were an issue & the fan experience was terrible as a whole because of the distance from action.

This new stadium has somewhat made the fan experience better but not as much as they should have & it's still well below any SENA ground. The construction is super bland so the roots of the stadium are lost for now. Maybe adding tiers & roof eventually will make it better. They are also working hard to fix the space around the stadium & adding greenery which will look good in drone shots.

The new lights & better screens will give a good look for television & a full stadium (hopefully) will look regal. It won't be beautiful as before but it's not ugly imo, characterless is probably the more suitable word. (You are fully entitled to your opinion & can term GSL ugly)
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Lets be honest. There wasn't enough time to complete a great construction.

Only hope is that after CT25. They can get time to work long-term on Stadium with roof and other stuff
 
chinaman00 said:
Something like Mohammed Bin Salman Cricket stadium.
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Realistically speaking it'll end up being Nawaz sharif stadium or something in a few years if not immediately.

Overall stadium updates as of 31st Jan look something like this

National bank stadium Karachi

1. Lights are being installed as we speak. The wiring was done earlier so let's hope they start testing them in a couple of days
2. LED screen frames have been brought to the stadium.
3. Intikhab Alam enclosure will have chairs.
4. Work ongoing on all 3 parking areas. No construction, just flattening & clearing the land for basic parking facilities
5. Cladding work started on the buildings.
6. Dressing rooms being readied & furniture is being placed at some places.
7. Finishing, electrical, plumbing, flooring, etc. work being done in the pavilion building.
8. VVIP enclosure & player entrance ramp/stairs being made. The concrete has cured so they'll probably start putting fences & chairs there in a few days.
9. Glass work underway

GSL Lahore

1. Cladding work ongoing. The deadline for cladding work is 5th Feb but the expectation is that it'll finish around 3 or 4, ambitious but possible.
2. Inside stadium civil works are just about done. Safe city cameras installed, enclosure fences, gates etc. being prepared. They have put boards for enclosure names but the design may change & a theme of golden letters on matte black may be finalized instead of the white and green. Broadcaster camera platforms being placed now.
3. Media center renovation ongoing, may change/repaint the chairs in both Wasim & Waqar enclosure.
4. All lights functional & are being tested. Both screens functional & are being tested.
5. VVIP enclosures completed. Only work left now is for players & match officials entry.
6. Pavilion building is on schedule to be handed over to PCB on 5th. Furniture has arrived and is being installed currently. Only top two floors have a bit of work like stair railings, flooring etc. Bottom two are pretty much done & complete.
7. Office building first three floors are almost done. Finishing touches being provided. PCB offices & ICC offices have been allocated.
8. External walls framework is complete. Gates being installed.
9. The walls of Punjab sports building that was pushed back is being built.
10. The entire round about road except a 30 meter patch is carpeted (has asphalt). The next set of roadworks will start in a couple of days that will add the final layer as well as finish the sign work & add road markings.
11. Grass has been planted outside the stadium & the area is being cleaned by LWMC, PHA, & other state institutes. The work is pretty much done except two enclosures where civil works are still in progress.
12. Gates & fan entry points are all but complete except two, Fazl Mehmood & Imran Khan enclosures which are right next to the PCB building
13. The work is sort of under control for now.

Pindi Circket Stadium:

1. refurbished chairs are placed in most stands.
2. Hospitality boxes are complete. They will now add chairs there.
3. They are building a VVIP stadium but the progress of that is unknown.
4. The grass is beginning to get a tinge of green but it still looks pretty much dead as of now.
5. Minor touchups here & there in terms of painting walls etc.


The good news is that Karachi has picked up pace which was necessary. There's no way in my opinion that Karachi will be ready by 5th Feb so they'll require at least 3 more days over there. Lahore is putting entire state machinery to accomplish the task which shows that they are dedicated to do so at gov level.
 
RidiculousMan said:
Lets be honest. There wasn't enough time to complete a great construction.

Only hope is that after CT25. They can get time to work long-term on Stadium with roof and other stuff
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They should have started this project in 2022/23 but then it's just me.

We are a nation where a majority of people start or finish their eid shopping on chaand raat so this chaos is just a normal state of being for us. Long term planning say hamara kia laina daina.
 
RidiculousMan said:
I don't think they completely got greenlight back then. India was always trying to shift tournament out of Pakistan till the very end. A lot of uncertainty
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You are right, I'm just adding this that champions trophy or not, we needed new stadiums & the reason for that was PSL.

Dedicated Cricket grounds were generally not a money making venture back in the day because cricket was scarce. A stadium would hold maybe 2 tests, & 4 one day matches for an entire year & that's about it & we were even in isolation from 2009. This changed when PSL became successful as people started attending matches & fan experience became a talking point. Now you could host 15-20 matches & charge premium amount purely from domestic cricket so business use case made sense. It would not cover the cost of the stadium but you'd end up with ticket revenue close to US$ 2-3 Million (avg capacity 30K, avg ticket price, 1K, total matches 15-20) & the running cost of a stadium would not be a burden on PCB.

Add a layered set of planning to this & make your ground multipurpose & boom, it's a money making venture for many years. Heck if they plan well they can even make it a premium wedding site in off season & make truck load of revenue from there (no access to playing area but a view similar to Royal palm marriage hall with limited access to playing field & facilities)

I do believe that spending on PCB building is naive, they could have easily built those offices in a slightly bigger pavilion & saved a truck load of money, & completed the work faster. So some of their vanity has cost us more time & money & also not added much to the stadium,
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
You are right, I'm just adding this that champions trophy or not, we needed new stadiums & the reason for that was PSL.

Dedicated Cricket grounds were generally not a money making venture back in the day because cricket was scarce. A stadium would hold maybe 2 tests, & 4 one day matches for an entire year & that's about it & we were even in isolation from 2009. This changed when PSL became successful as people started attending matches & fan experience became a talking point. Now you could host 15-20 matches & charge premium amount purely from domestic cricket so business use case made sense. It would not cover the cost of the stadium but you'd end up with ticket revenue close to US$ 2-3 Million (avg capacity 30K, avg ticket price, 1K, total matches 15-20) & the running cost of a stadium would not be a burden on PCB.

Add a layered set of planning to this & make your ground multipurpose & boom, it's a money making venture for many years. Heck if they plan well they can even make it a premium wedding site in off season & make truck load of revenue from there (no access to playing area but a view similar to Royal palm marriage hall with limited access to playing field & facilities)

I do believe that spending on PCB building is naive, they could have easily built those offices in a slightly bigger pavilion & saved a truck load of money, & completed the work faster. So some of their vanity has cost us more time & money & also not added much to the stadium,
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You have to look it from the build up that was from 2009.

International Cricket wasn't happening in Pakistan. PCB could've done a better job preserving the stadium, sure. But rebuilding or renovation was out of question.

Even before 2024. Teams were hesitant to tour Pakistan and there hadn't been an anticipation for an ICC event for decades.

I think eventually PCB would've started construction or rebuilding of Stadiums this year even without an ICC event. As the landscape now is pretty clear for everyone to see that apart from India all teams can come to Pakistan.

There was too much uncertainty and variables few years ago to predict the events of 2023, 2025 and 2025. Thus the delayed start on rebuilding of Stadiums.
 
Mohsin Naqvi, while addressing the media at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore:

"On February 7th, InshaAllah, we will inaugurate the Lahore stadium, with the Prime Minister present. On the 11th, the President of Pakistan will inaugurate the Karachi stadium, and on the 16th, we will have the inauguration ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore. After that, our Tri-Series will start on the 8th, followed by the Champions Trophy starting from the 19th."

"Many thanks to all the officials who worked hard on this project. They didn't even return home, and the contractors were working day and night. The stadium will be 100% complete by the 7th before the inauguration. The stadium’s capacity and viewership have significantly improved, and we are ready for the Champions Trophy, which is the main target for us."

"We have been in touch with the ICC to arrange security and other necessary preparations for the teams coming for the Champions Trophy. As we upgraded the stadium, we added new features like a better sound system, bigger screens, and LED lights. We decided to surrender some of the ICC’s tickets to increase our revenue, which was a tough decision."
 
Local.Dada said:
Before CT in Pak, I have never seen live construction status updates of stadiums everyday for any tournament :ROFLMAO:

My YouTube FYP is full of Pak cricket channels reporting live from the construction sites.
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Because this is the first time such a thing has happened.
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
GSL in 96 was a pinnacle of aesthetic & style where they spent a lot of thought in making a stadium that had unique Mughal architecture. The arches, the gates, the outer wall, the color scheme, & everything else had a truckload of character.

The fences were an issue & the fan experience was terrible as a whole because of the distance from action.

This new stadium has somewhat made the fan experience better but not as much as they should have & it's still well below any SENA ground. The construction is super bland so the roots of the stadium are lost for now. Maybe adding tiers & roof eventually will make it better. They are also working hard to fix the space around the stadium & adding greenery which will look good in drone shots.

The new lights & better screens will give a good look for television & a full stadium (hopefully) will look regal. It won't be beautiful as before but it's not ugly imo, characterless is probably the more suitable word. (You are fully entitled to your opinion & can term GSL ugly)
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Are they adding the roof before CT?
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
no roof planned. There's a phase 2 but not sure if that will happen now or not as they are trying to build a stadium in Islamabad.
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That is sad, yes the ISB stadium will be built in D12 sector. That will take 5-7 years at least. But there should be some kind of architecture to GSL which roof can provide. It is looking ugly rn tbh
 
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi arrived at Gaddafi Stadium early in the morning

He inspected the finishing work on various floors and hospitality boxes.

Naqvi also assessed the quality of the railings installed in front of the boxes.

Seating himself in the stands outside the boxes, he reviewed the ground’s view from different angles.

He further evaluated the finishing work across multiple floors.

The PCB Chairman directed officials to expedite the completion of finishing work while maintaining high-quality standards.

"The quality of finishing must be ensured at all costs," emphasized Naqvi.

He stated that Gaddafi Stadium is nearing completion and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on February 7.

"Fans attending the Champions Trophy matches will enjoy the upgraded stadium facilities," he added.

Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed briefed the chairman on the progress of the finishing work.

https://imgur.com/LsRmWHi
 
FearlessRoar said:
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi arrived at Gaddafi Stadium early in the morning

He inspected the finishing work on various floors and hospitality boxes.

Naqvi also assessed the quality of the railings installed in front of the boxes.

Seating himself in the stands outside the boxes, he reviewed the ground’s view from different angles.

He further evaluated the finishing work across multiple floors.

The PCB Chairman directed officials to expedite the completion of finishing work while maintaining high-quality standards.

"The quality of finishing must be ensured at all costs," emphasized Naqvi.

He stated that Gaddafi Stadium is nearing completion and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on February 7.

"Fans attending the Champions Trophy matches will enjoy the upgraded stadium facilities," he added.

Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed briefed the chairman on the progress of the finishing work.

https://imgur.com/LsRmWHi
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Ramiz Raja during his tenure was busy in doing photoshoots, making YouTube videos and brands. Mohsin Naqvi has done some real work
 
zaidihusain said:
Ramiz Raja during his tenure was busy in doing photoshoots, making YouTube videos and brands. Mohsin Naqvi has done some real work
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He's done excellent work. Sat on his rear end doing nothing the past year and decided to blitz an average looking stadium in a month wanting plaudits.

Yeah, well done.
 
FearlessRoar said:
Stunning

Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as of 1 February 2025

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I mean its an an average looking bowl, not sure what's 'stunning' about it? It's completed, which is the main thing. After the roof it'll look much better.

We are getting laughed at by the entire world (outside India too) by calling this stunning. In England league 1 football grounds are better looking.
 
Pakpak said:
I mean its an an average looking bowl, not sure what's 'stunning' about it? It's completed, which is the main thing. After the roof it'll look much better.

We are getting laughed at by the entire world (outside India too) by calling this stunning. In England league 1 football grounds are better looking.
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we can understand your hate because its not done by supporters or members of a particular party you support, but this stadium is on par if not better with Old Trafford and Leeds ground, i have been to both of those grounds and i have watched international and world cup matches at those grounds this looks much better than both of them.
 
Isn't it going to be very hot for the fans, without a roof?
 
Local.Dada said:
Before CT in Pak, I have never seen live construction status updates of stadiums everyday for any tournament :ROFLMAO:

My YouTube FYP is full of Pak cricket channels reporting live from the construction sites.
Click to expand...
I must say a pakistani wouldnt be able to make a similar claim about their FYP page. Guess they are right about the level of obsession. Kinda interesting.
 
The more I watch GSL, the more I realize it's designed badly. These are THE most expensive enclosures outside the hospitality boxes and look at all the grills that there are.

Imagine you spend a fortune to sit here & you get a seat that is on the right hand corner. A grill in front of you and then Mitchell Starc decides to bowl around the wicket & now the screen is right in front of you.

20K+ well spent I guess


1738433805309.png
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
The more I watch GSL, the more I realize it's designed badly. These are THE most expensive enclosures outside the hospitality boxes and look at all the grills that there are.

Imagine you spend a fortune to sit here & you get a seat that is on the right hand corner. A grill in front of you and then Mitchell Starc decides to bowl around the wicket & now the screen is right in front of you.

20K+ well spent I guess


View attachment 150333
Click to expand...
How dare you point out legitimate concerns of this stunning ground?
 
Pakpak said:
How dare you point out legitimate concerns of this stunning ground?
Click to expand...

The ground has a lot of good things, I'll give it that, but there's so much chapri element in design & finesse that it must be pointed out. The inadequacies are so glaring & people must talk about them without bias.
 
Varun said:
Isn't it going to be very hot for the fans, without a roof?
Click to expand...

Roof isn't necessary in cricket stadiums anymore. It doesn't protect from rain, test crowds are insignificant, & ODI cricket is mostly a day night affair. In fact it's better if there's no roof as the cross winds & better ventilation cool both the playing field & the spectator arena.

That said if they design a good roof, I'm all for it.
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
Roof isn't necessary in cricket stadiums anymore. It doesn't protect from rain, test crowds are insignificant, & ODI cricket is mostly a day night affair. In fact it's better if there's no roof as the cross winds & better ventilation cool both the playing field & the spectator arena.

That said if they design a good roof, I'm all for it.
Click to expand...
That is true but it gives a beautiful look .
 
the only important thing here is its completed and thats good but lol at Nawvi getting credit
 
JaDed said:
the only important thing here is its completed and thats good but lol at Nawvi getting credit
Click to expand...

He's being addressed as Mohsin Speed & a messiah who has carried out a miracle. I fully expect Nqvi the interior minister inviting nqvi the PCB head, nqvi the senator, & nqvi the business man & award them with Sitara e Imtiaz (highest civilian medal in Pak)

Pakistan isn't for beginners tbh, maddening infuriating place even at the best of times.
 
Stadium update quick one:

NBS Karachi:

Lights installed on all frames.
Cladding complete on the front & on PCB towers.
SMD screen platform raised.

Rawalpindi Stadium:

New LED lights have arrived at the stadium. Same as in Lahore & Karachi.
Screen platform done.
Hospitality boxes done.
VVIP arena similar to Lahore Karachi underway.

The flood lights are a great surprise. PCB working overtime here ngl
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
Roof isn't necessary in cricket stadiums anymore. It doesn't protect from rain, test crowds are insignificant, & ODI cricket is mostly a day night affair. In fact it's better if there's no roof as the cross winds & better ventilation cool both the playing field & the spectator arena.

That said if they design a good roof, I'm all for it.
Click to expand...

What do you mean a roof doesn't protect spectators from the rain?

And in our part of the world, a roof is an absolute necessity - against the sun which shines down everyday.
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
Stadium update quick one:

NBS Karachi:

Lights installed on all frames.
Cladding complete on the front & on PCB towers.
SMD screen platform raised.

Rawalpindi Stadium:

New LED lights have arrived at the stadium. Same as in Lahore & Karachi.
Screen platform done.
Hospitality boxes done.
VVIP arena similar to Lahore Karachi underway.

The flood lights are a great surprise. PCB working overtime here ngl
Click to expand...
Thanks for your updates

I think we should do renovations of other stadiums like Multan Faisalabad Gujranwala Hyderabad and Sialkot stadiums

We should have at least 10 proper stadiums built in accordance to modern facilities and views

As we might get to host a T20 or a 50 over world cup in next few years
 
Latest updates from the National Stadium Karachi:

The installation of modern LED lighting on five out of six poles in the stadium has been completed. Once the wiring is finalized, the new artificial lights will be switched on within the next 48 hours. Additionally, two large digital screens, shipped from Shanghai via Dubai, have arrived at the stadium.

These screens will be installed by American specialists in the coming days. The larger screen, measuring 80 by 30 feet, will be positioned in front of the Wasim Akram Enclosure, while the smaller 20 by 30-foot screen will be placed in front of the Intikhab Alam Enclosure. Platforms for both screens are already prepared.

Work is also progressing on a pedestrian bridge for spectators heading to the stadium. Located on Sir Suleman Shah Road near the PSB Coaching Centre, the bridge is expected to be completed within the next ten days.
 
shah9425 said:
Thanks for your updates

I think we should do renovations of other stadiums like Multan Faisalabad Gujranwala Hyderabad and Sialkot stadiums

We should have at least 10 proper stadiums built in accordance to modern facilities and views

As we might get to host a T20 or a 50 over world cup in next few years
Click to expand...

They absolutely need to develop Faisalabad, Sialkot, & Gujranwala.

The attendance in these stadiums will be through the roof. They hosted a tournament in Faisalabad and it was house full after house full (if not house full very decent crowd) for a domestic competition. Gujranwala if I'm not mistaken is top 5 populated cities of Pak and has mad fan following.

It'll also uplift the political image of the ruling party so if anything else, they should do this just for the sake of their popularity. Peshawar stadium hasn't been completed in 8 years, no flood lights, a very average pavilion, & an overall inability to host any meaningful cricket matches it so it'll be a perfect opportunity to score some points if Gujranwala/Sialkot can be upgraded in a year or two.

Win, win situation.
 
3 pedestrian bridge support frames in Karachi are underway as seen below.

Progress is slow, they are cutting it very tight. I'm assuming that the main bridge itself is being made offsite so they just have to bring it & install it here once the structure is ready. KEMC (or whatever it is called) is working in tandem with PCB to get things ready here.

An external parking is a brilliant idea, this was one of the biggest issues for spectators in Karachi. BTW I'm surprised/amazed as how much land is held by PCB in Karachi, our planners who did this work of making stadiums etc. were really good at thinking about the future so kudos to them.


1738497539812.png
 
I feel for the fans in Karachi, they are paying money for what will be a pretty rubbish fan experience. Just saw that they have installed the big LED screen right infront of a stand with the pillars of that screen likely obstructing view for spectators considerably. There is probably no other place for them to install it but it still looks pretty bad.
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
Stadium update quick one:

NBS Karachi:

Lights installed on all frames.
Cladding complete on the front & on PCB towers.
SMD screen platform raised.

Rawalpindi Stadium:

New LED lights have arrived at the stadium. Same as in Lahore & Karachi.
Screen platform done.
Hospitality boxes done.
VVIP arena similar to Lahore Karachi underway.

The flood lights are a great surprise. PCB working overtime here ngl
Click to expand...

Quick updates:

NBS Karachi: The deadline is 9. The stadium inauguration is on 11th I think.

1. Lights testing underway. One pole has been lit up, others will probably start soon.
2. Small SMD screen installed, energized, & tested with red color. RGB tests start now.
3. Large SMD screen panel work is complete. Unlike Lahore where they installed it on raised panels, work is speedier because they are assembling the big screen in four portions on the ground & then will raise it to the already erect screen platform.
4. Patron enclosures complete with back wall & front jangla. Seat installation to start soon.
5. Pavilion building work ongoing. Dressing rooms were partially ready a few days ago. Cladding is ongoing. Seats are being installed in hospitality box galleries.
6. Parking lot is flattened. The other two are ongoing. Bridge frames were being built in one of the parking lots. Not sure if they will put concrete or it will just be a fully metal frame. Shouldn't take long either way.

GSL Lahore: The deadline is still 5. No more extensions. 6/7 will only see interior designers minor labor or testers. All labor civil or else has been asked to clear on 5th. 5th ki night shift is the last set of labor that is allowed to work

1. Not much work left inside the stadium except cleaning and finishing.
2. All floors of the pavilion building are ready. Furniture is placed inside the building but decor isn't complete. I guess waiting for labor to finish everything before they do that.
3. Outside cladding is about 75%. They are now skipping some areas and just plastering/painting them. This is a good decision.
4. PCB building first three floors are going to have furniture. Most of the work is done, just minor touch ups.
5. Outside wall almost 90% done.
6. Imran Khan enclosure gate not ready. This is also one of the two enclosures that require work on their outside but it's not a lot of work.
7. Road work will resume today & tomorrow. One final layer of fine asphalt to give the roads a fresh look as well as road signs, lane paint, etc.
8. They are talking about cleaning the entire outside of the stadium with water. Unfortunately the rain that was supposed to arrive today hasn't arrived. That's why long term forecasts are not reliable. It was supposed to rain around 5 mm, & if it did, GSL surroundings would look amazing.
9. Roundabout on the liberty side that leads to the stadium is completed. PHA has also done good job in creating green belts & planting trees around the stadium. A few patches are not finished but most of the work is done.

Pindi stadium:

No update on the screens or lights yet. Possibly the same team that has done the work in Lahore, Karachi, will start the work after 9 (once they completed their work in Karachi)

The new pavilion is being fitted with chairs. It's not a lot of work because they just raised two or three rows. Sanity prevailed here.

Hospitality boxes will get a facelift.
 
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