Renovation of Gaddafi Stadium on track for completion ahead of Champions Trophy
Pakistan is set to host the elite ICC Champions Trophy in Feb-March 2025, and these upgrades are designed to ensure the stadium is fully equipped for the event.
The extensive renovation of Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is progressing rapidly as teams work tirelessly to meet the December 31 deadline in preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Construction crews are operating around the clock in three shifts to complete this massive undertaking on time. The project, with a budget of Rs 7.7 billion, has the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) optimistic about meeting the deadline.
PCB Director of Infrastructure Qazi Jawwad Ahmed confirmed that progress is currently ahead of schedule.
“The ground-floor roofs of both the pavilion and office buildings are complete, while the office building’s first floor roof is approximately 70-80% finished. The pavilion’s first floor roof will be done within a few days,” he said, noting that construction is progressing as planned.
Infrastructure enhancements to meet ICC standards
Jawwad provided details on the structural upgrades, stating that 280 foundation piles have been completed, with 350 expected to be done within a few days. Out of 264 columns, 120 have been finished, and the remaining columns are targeted for completion within eight to ten days. Following this, work on the inclined beams and precast elements will commence.
“The project is meeting all ICC specifications and is expected to deliver top-quality results,” Jawwad said.
PCB Director of Infrastructure also revealed that the ICC delegation will inspect the stadium’s progress around November 10 or 11.
For the office building, which has the capacity for eight floors, four will be completed by December 31.
Tower lights are also being upgraded to LED technology, and two new screens will be installed.
Improved experience for fans
The stadium's seating capacity will expand from 21,500 to 34,000, aiming to accommodate Lahore’s passionate cricket fans.
Newly imported seats will replace old ones, which will be repurposed for the Pindi Cricket Stadium and other venues. LED screens will be positioned for maximum visibility, and modern floodlights are set to be installed.
The single-tier enclosures are being worked on with the possibility of a second tier in the future to meet increasing demand.
Fan enclosures are being moved 20 feet closer to the field, enhancing visibility for spectators. The pavilion building will offer luxurious amenities for players, officials, partners, and dignitaries, with team dressing rooms positioned in the corners and a main entry point centrally located.
Furthermore, a water reservoir has been constructed to address drainage issues, which frequently cause flooding around the venue during rain.
Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy in March-April 2025, and these upgrades are designed to ensure the stadium is fully equipped for the event.
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