The PCB has shifted the ODI tri-series between New Zealand and South Africa to Lahore and Karachi as the two venues prepare to host the Champions Trophy from February 19.
The four-match tri-series, scheduled to begin on February 8, was originally scheduled to be held in Multan. However, the PCB decided to move it to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Stadium in Karachi, which it said “reflects the PCB’s confidence in the readiness of these upgraded stadiums”.
The board said in a statement: “Considering the advanced stage of preparations at Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to relocate the upcoming three-nation ODI series to these two venues. The series will feature New Zealand and South Africa was originally scheduled to be held in Multan along with Pakistan.”
Both stadiums are undergoing major upgrades and renovations this season. None of this season’s seven Tests will be held at either the Gaddafi Stadium or the National Stadium, causing some confusion in the schedule. Karachi was scheduled to host one Test against England but it was moved to Multan. Multan will also host two Tests against West Indies this month.
However, it was widely recognized that this work was necessary, given that Pakistan was hosting an ICC event for the first time in nearly 30 years. The most significant renovations took place at the Gaddafi Stadium, where capacity was increased to 35,000, two new digital replay screens were installed and completely new player and hospitality enclosures were built. Similar upgrades have been made to Karachi’s National Stadium, while the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which has hosted international and domestic matches this season, has undergone more minor improvements.
The PCB said Gaddafi Stadium is expected to open in the last week of January. The board “assured fans, spectators and media that all upgrade works are progressing as scheduled and will be completed before or after the established deadline”.
Of the 15 matches of the tournament, 10, maybe 11, will be played in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. The remainder of India’s matches and one semi-final will be held in Dubai and, if India is successful, the final as well. This is part of the hybrid model agreed upon by the PCB, BCCI and ICC after the Indian government did not allow India to travel to Pakistan.
