As the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, set to begin on February 19, concerns have arisen about the readiness of National Stadium Karachi to host the prestigious event.
The stadium is slated to host the opening match of the eight-team event, where Pakistan will face New Zealand. Before the Champions Trophy, Karachi will also play host to two important matches in a tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa on February 12, followed by the final on February 14.
Renovations at the stadium include the construction of a new hospitality area for players and officials at the University End, a four-floor building, and the installation of 350 LED lights on tall light poles. Two digital screens are also planned for either side of the ground.
While new chairs imported from China are being set up in Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, the National Stadium is repainting its old seats and installing new ones in general stands, which previously lacked seating. The new frames for light poles are in place, though the lamps have yet to be installed.
Similarly, the installation of the giant digital screens has not yet begun, as only the foundations for their high columns are ready. The digital screens themselves are yet to arrive from Dubai.
With such a tight timeline, there are lingering concerns about whether the stadium will be fully prepared in time to host both the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy.
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