The Impressive TimesLahore, January 10, 2025: A five-member delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) has arrived in Pakistan to assess the readiness of the country’s infrastructure for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team conducted a comprehensive inspection of the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Thursday morning, where they reviewed ongoing construction and renovation works to ensure the venue meets the standards required for hosting the prestigious tournament.
The delegation was briefed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials as well as representatives from the construction company overseeing the venue’s upgrades. Arshad Khan, the General Manager of National Bank Stadium, was also present to guide the visitors through the progress of various projects. According to reports from The Express Tribune, the ICC team focused on evaluating the timelines and quality of the ongoing renovations, which are critical for the tournament’s success.
During their inspection, the delegation toured the stadium’s under-construction five-story building, exploring various sections to ensure they meet ICC’s specifications for the event. The team also visited the main stadium building, including the media center, where they thoroughly assessed the available facilities. They toured the media gallery and inspected the amenities in the conference hall, paying particular attention to the details displayed on the walls. The ICC representatives took photographs and notes as they carefully evaluated the venue’s ability to host such a high-profile event.
In addition to the main stadium building, the delegation examined the older building’s dressing rooms, the Chairman’s Box, and the PCB Gallery. Throughout the visit, the ICC team maintained a detailed and methodical approach, documenting their observations and ensuring that the stadium would be fully equipped to handle the needs of teams, media, and spectators during the tournament.
The National Bank Stadium in Karachi is set to host the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy on February 19, 2025, with the first match of the tournament between Pakistan and New Zealand also scheduled for the same day. The stadium is slated to host a total of three matches during the tournament, making it a central venue for this year’s competition.
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, the venue will also host a tri-nation ODI series in February 2025, which will feature Pakistan, South Africa, and another yet-to-be-confirmed team. The first match of the series between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled for February 12, with the final match of the series set for February 14. This marks the fourth official ICC delegation to visit Pakistan in preparation for the Champions Trophy. Previously, ICC Security Head David Mascro led the initial visit, ensuring that security arrangements were in place for the smooth conduct of the tournament. Subsequent visits included Senior Manager of Event Operations Sarah Edgar and Manager Aun Zaidi, who focused on operational readiness, and the third visit, which was conducted by Aun Zaidi along with broadcast overseer Mansoor Manch to assess broadcasting and media operations.
With less than two months to go before the Champions Trophy kicks off, the ICC delegation’s visit is seen as a crucial step in finalizing the venue’s readiness and ensuring that all infrastructure, operational, and security requirements are met. As Pakistan prepares to host one of the biggest events in the cricketing world, this review marks a critical phase in the country’s efforts to showcase its readiness to the global cricket community.
No Comments: