Race against time: PCB rushes to transform Gaddafi Stadium ahead of Champions Trophy

The completion of the under-construction Gaddafi Stadium presents a significant challenge for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as the upcoming tri-nation series, preceding the ICC Champions Trophy, draws near.

The tri-nation series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, is scheduled to commence on February 8. Initially planned for Multan, the series venue was shifted to Lahore and Karachi only a few days ago.

While PCB Director of Infrastructure Qazi Jawwad Ahmed expressed confidence on Friday that all construction work would be completed by January 30, it seems unlikely that the venue will be fully prepared for the tri-series without extraordinary efforts. However, there should be no concerns about readiness for the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.

‘Upgradation on track’

Qazi Jawwad assured reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium that the pavilion building is already 100% complete.

"Around 75% of the finishing work has been done. In two to three days, we will finish the ground and first floors, and within a couple more days, the entire pavilion building will be ready," he stated.

He added that the first floor of the office building would be completed within one or two days, with the upper floors finalized by January 30.

Work on the surrounding areas is also progressing in collaboration with seven government organizations, including LDA, WASA, SNGPL, LESCO, Punjab Safe City, PTCL, and NTC.

"This work wouldn’t have been possible without their support, and we will finish it soon," Jawwad emphasized.

Regarding external development, the road leading to the stadium is a priority.

“By January 27, the roads connecting Liberty Market and Ferozepur Road to the stadium will be completed as per the target,” Jawwad claimed.

Jawwad also mentioned that a recent ICC delegation visited the site and expressed satisfaction with the upgrade progress.

Most of the focus has been directed towards the pavilion building. For the PCB Secretariat, located behind the pavilion, the ground floor and the first two floors are expected to be completed by the end of January, with the remaining two floors to be finished after the Champions Trophy.

Modern facilities and enhanced capacity

Digital screen installations were scheduled to begin on Friday, while lighting installations are nearly done. The stadium is also receiving new folding chairs, imported from China, featuring a green and white color scheme for an appealing look.

The entire construction project, excluding the Far-End building, involves a massive renovation, costing Rs 7.7 billion.

The stadium's capacity will increase significantly, from 21,500 to 34,000 spectators. Additionally, a massive water reservoir with a 400,000-gallon capacity has been constructed to store rainwater and prevent flooding in the surrounding areas during rains.