The Pakistan Cricket Board is leaving no stone unturned as it seeks to get its venues ready for the Champions Trophy tournament – the first ICC tournament on its territory this century.
Having a world event in Pakistan would be the final seal of approval, marking the country's fully fledged return to the international calendar after years of isolation and sporadic tours due to security concerns.
The tournament is set to begin on February 19 in Karachi, but the journey has been far from smooth. The main issue has been India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan, claiming the absence of clearance from the Indian government following political tensions between the countries.
After a prolonged back and forth, India's matches were shifted to Dubai, with the rest of the tournament to be held in Pakistan. However, the problems don't end there.
The three venues in Pakistan that will host their set of matches of the tournament – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi – are not yet complete and require a lot more work with a little over one month remaining before the tournament.
Lahore's Qaddafi Stadium, Karachi's National Stadium, and the Rawalpindi Stadium are in various stages of major renovation. The Pakistan board had set a target of getting all three venues ready for New Year, but, as of now, only the main and critical structures have been completed at two of the three venues.
Stadium seating, hospitality boxes, media facilities and floodlights are among the areas that require attention at some or all the venues. The latest visuals from Lahore and Karachi don't inspire confidence, with the Pakistan boarding needing a significant push in order to get the venues in acceptable condition by January 25, which is the soft deadline for the completion of the work.
However, Pakistan have time until February 12 to get the venues ready before handing it over to the International Cricket Council, who will then host the matches one week later.
The understanding now is that the venues might not be completely ready, but should have all the crucial facilities required to host international matches – broadcast and media stations, complete facilities for teams, playing area, hospitality and critical infrastructure. Other areas like facade work and additional facilities for spectators might get ready some time later.
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Workers install seats at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as Pakistan gets ready to host the Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 10. EPA -
Rawalpindi is one of the three venues in Pakistan, along with Karachi and Lahore, that will host most of the matches of the Champions Trophy. At least four games will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. EPA -
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is undergoing minor repair work for the Champions Trophy, while the venues in Karachi and Lahore are witnessing full-scale construction activity. EPA -
Workers prepare the ground at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. EPA -
Rawalpindi is one of three venues that will host matches in the Champions Trophy from February 19. EPA -
A lot of work remains to be done at the three venues for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. EPA
Inclement weather also has not helped matters, with severe cold hampering construction activity. However, as of now, works seems to be on track.
The ICC is monitoring the work and their team has travelled to Pakistan to assess the progress.
And to show that things are under control, the Pakistan board moved February's proposed tri-nation ODI series, which serves as preparation for the Champions Trophy, from Multan to Lahore and Karachi.
The PCB announced that the Qaddafi Stadium and National Stadium will host the tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa from February 8 to 14.
The two venues will host six of the 12 Champions Trophy group stage matches. Lahore will also host one semi-final as well as the final, provided India, who are playing all their matches in Dubai, do not qualify.
The Dubai International Stadium will host three matches of the group stage – India v Bangladesh on February 20, India v Pakistan on February 23, and India v New Zealand on March 2.
