Pakistan relocate tri-series to Lahore and Karachi as it prepares to host Champions Trophy
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The Pakistan Cricket Board has relocated next month’s tri-series to renovated stadiums in Lahore and Karachi as it prepares to host the Champions Trophy.
The four-match tri-series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand, starts Feb. 8. The PCB had initially planned to host it in Multan.
“Given the advanced stage of preparations at the Gaddafi Stadium (in Lahore) and the National Bank Stadium (in Karachi), the PCB has decided to relocate the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues,” the PCB said in a statement on Wednesday.
The PCB has spent millions of dollars on the renovation and upgrade of stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi for the Champions Trophy – its first major ICC tournament in 29 years.
The capacity of Gaddafi Stadium has been increased to 35,000 with two giant digital replay screens also scheduled to be installed by next week. New player and hospitality enclosures have been built, which the PCB says will be operational by Jan. 25.
At Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, new player and officials’ hospitality enclosures have been constructed, as well as 5,000 new seats.
Work at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, the third venue for the Champions Trophy, has included installing 10,000 new seats. The PCB said more than “250 workers (are) laboring day and night to meet the Jan. 25 deadline” for renovation work.
“The PCB is confident that the upgrades will elevate the fan experience and uphold Pakistan’s reputation as a premier cricketing destination,” the PCB said.
The Champions Trophy begins in Karachi on Feb. 19, with India playing all its matches in Dubai.
Pakistan will host 10 group matches and possibly the final at Lahore, if India doesn’t qualify for it. India is in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Group B comprises England, Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan.
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