ICC grants PCB special exemption for renovation of stadiums

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted a special exemption to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to complete renovation and upgrade work at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Stadium in Karachi.

According to reports, the ICC typically takes control of venues before the commencement of any of its tournaments. However, for Champions Trophy 2025, the cricket governing body has given the PCB additional time to finalize preparations.

The ICC's support period for the tournament is set to begin on February 12. However, before officially taking over the venues, ICC has allowed PCB to host a tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. The series, originally scheduled to be held in Multan, will now take place at Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium Karachi from February 8.

Since Pakistan wants to test both venues thoroughly before the Champions Trophy, the ICC granted a special exemption, allowing the Board to conduct the matches during its designated support period.

Meanwhile, PCB recently released a video showcasing the upgrades ay Gaddafi Stadium, which took Indian media and its cricket board by surprise.

Previously, Indian media had been spreading negative reports regarding the stadium's renovation, claiming that if the work was not completed on time, ICC might shift the tournament to another country. However, PCB's efforts and ICC's backing have now put such speculations to rest.