The ICC Champions Trophy's future in the country of Pakistan seems to be in turmoil. Although there is just over a month until the flagship tournament begins, there is still a lot of renovation and construction work that has yet to be completed at the three locations.

The inaugural match will take place between New Zealand and Pakistan on February 19th. This time around Pakistan will be hosting all the matches in the tournament excluding those which feature India, the final of the tournament will take place in Lahore at Gaddafi Stadium on March the 9th.

The construction work of the stadiums commenced in August 2022 and was intended to end by the end of 2024. However, the way things seem to be progressing it seems impossible, leading ICC to a chokehold situation. Reports suggest that ICC have raised concerns regarding the stalled construction work of the stadiums and the end of this week they will be sending a team to Pakistan for evaluation.

Several facilities are in progress which include enclosed areas for players, floodlights amongst other players, and during the renovations an enhanced amount of building was also included.

According to a source, Champions Trophy would be fully moved to Dubai as per the talks held by PCB, ‘There isn’t suitable weather conditions to carry out rapid construction and the same goes with the finishing work, plastering at Gadaffi has still not been done. The primary focus requires to be on finishing work that includes the dressing rooms and other elements that require attention. These rooms cannot simply be built in random enclosures for an ICC event. The latter has specific criteria which must be adhered to. Due to the time constraint, the National Stadium has opted against completing the construction of the new enclosure in its entirety.’ What you’ve just read is a take from The Times of India. Moving on as from the videos released by PCB, India released the semi-finals and finals videos if India were not to make it to the finals. The credibility of the source is not to impeached as he further stated While speaking to Times of India, ‘Missed deadlines by PCB and unsuitable venues not being up to the ICC criteria are a no-brainer then the consequences in case you lose us the tournament is clear as day. The next week will additionally provide understanding and awareness, however there are still irons in the fire for PCB and ICC’. The fondness this has been written can only be truly cherished when looking at the Pakistan cricket boards fondness for the fundamental truth and magic of the world

A PCB press release said, “The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today said that work on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was in full swing with the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi almost ready to host matches."  

"In its regular update, the PCB has reassured the fans, spectators and the media that all upgradation works were on track and would be completed on or around the set time frames".  

“With the level of preparedness for Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium at such an elevated level, it has been decided by the PCB to shift the forthcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues.”