The Champions Trophy is back after a gap of eight years. And it returns to a location that has not held a major ICC event this century.
Pakistan is getting ready to host its first significant multi-team tournament since the 1996 World Cup.
The tournament sees the top eight teams in the world compete in a short 50-over tournament, which some consider to be the mini World Cup.
The stakes will be very high for Pakistan, who are not only hosting their first major assignment in decades but also defending the title they won in 2017 - the last time the tournament was held.
However, it has not been smooth sailing on all fronts. Two of the three venues in Pakistan - Lahore and Karachi - are in a race against time to be ready for the tournament, with construction still going just weeks before it kicks off.
Also, India have refused to travel to Pakistan in the absence of approval from their government due to political tensions. India's matches will be held in Dubai.
Pakistan
Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Capacity: 35,000
Matches
Feb 22: Australia v England
Feb 26: Afghanistan v England
Feb 28: Afghanistan v Australia
March 5: Semi-final
March 9: Final (if India don’t qualify)
The premier venue in Pakistan held the final of the 1996 World Cup where Sri Lanka famously defeated Australia to lift the 50-over title.
It is also where the Pakistan Cricket Board headquarters are located, making it the literal home of cricket in the country.
The venue is now undergoing a complete makeover, with the stadium being rebuilt almost from scratch. The capacity of the ground has been increased to 35,000 with new seats and LED lights for enhanced viewing experience. Other amenities are also being upgraded to international standards. These include new player and hospitality areas, digital screens at the ground and more.
Critical areas of the venue are expected to be completed by the time the tournament starts.
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The Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore is undergoing major renovation for next month's ICC Champions. Reuters -
Workers renovate the National Stadium for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Karachi. EPA -
The main stands at the National Stadium in Karachi still require major work. Reuters -
Seats are being installed at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Reuters -
Technicians work on the scoreboard at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Reuters -
The National Stadium is witnessing major construction activities round the clock. EPA -
Workers at the National Stadium in Karachi. EPA
National Stadium, Karachi
Capacity: 35,000
Matches:
Feb 19: Pakistan v New Zealand
Feb 21: Afghanistan v South Africa
March 1: South Africa v England
Another iconic venue in Pakistan that required significant improvements for a tournament of this scale.
The Karachi stadium has witnessed numerous famous moments, including the simultaneous debuts of two of the greatest players of the modern era - Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis.
Now, it will have upgraded facilities for players, VIPs and the general public with new enclosures, seats and lights.
However, just like Lahore, Karachi too is likely to witness construction activity close to the start of the tournament. However, the Pakistan board is confident of completing all major works in time before the venues are handed over to the International Cricket Council on February 12.
Rawalpindi Stadium
Capacity: 15,000
Matches
Feb 24: Bangladesh v New Zealand
Feb 25: Australia v South Africa
Feb 27: Pakistan v Bangladesh
Despite being smallest of the three venues, the quaint Rawalpindi venue has also seen its share of historic moments. The most significant one was hosting Sri Lanka on the return of Test cricket to the venue in 2019, one decade after the attack on the Sri Lankan team that had led to the international isolation of the country as a host.
The stadium only requires minor renovation work, which includes installing new seats for spectators and improving the hospitality areas.
UAE
Dubai International Stadium
Capacity: 25,000
Matches
Feb 20: Bangladesh v India
Feb 23: Pakistan v India
March 2: New Zealand v India
March 4: Semi-final. And final if India qualify
The world-renowned stadium is easily one of the most pristine venues in cricket. The iconic “Ring of Fire” lighting system and the distinct canopies providing cover for spectators set it apart from every other stadium.
The venue has hosted a number of high-profile games, including the T20 World Cup, Asia Cup and Indian Premier League. Now, it will also have the chance to host all matches involving the Indian team in the Champions Trophy.
If India go all the way to the final, the title match of the Champions Trophy will be held in Dubai, adding yet another feather to the cap of the UAE's premier cricket venue.
