Lahore (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
Alongside Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the premier praised the grand reconstruction of the stadium, which has been completed in time for the prestigious tournament.
The Gaddafi Stadium, one of the key venues, will host five Champions Trophy matches, including the semi-final, provided India doesn’t qualify for the final.
The renovation of the stadium was part of a larger effort to refurbish three major cricket venues across Pakistan—Gaddafi in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi.
This project, which started in October 2024, faced significant hurdles but was ultimately completed with an investment of Rs12.80 billion.
While the Gaddafi Stadium is ready to go, the Rawalpindi Stadium's renovation will conclude after the Champions Trophy, with Karachi's National Stadium set for reopening on February 11, inaugurated by President Asif Ali Zardari.
Addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz congratulated the nation on hosting a major international sports event in Pakistan after 29 years.
He also thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for providing facilities to the construction team through the Punjab government.
The premier expressed confidence in the Pakistan cricket team, stating that the nation had high hopes for their performance in the Champions Trophy.
He specifically mentioned Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, encouraging them to lead from the front, and joked about Shaheen Afridi following in his father-in-law’s footsteps to rack up wickets.
PM Shehbaz Sharif assured that the government would provide top-tier security arrangements for the matches, allowing cricket fans to enjoy world-class cricket.
He welcomed US Consul General Kristin Hawkins at the ceremony and expressed optimism that the US cricket team would visit Pakistan soon for international matches.
As the team unveiled their new kit for the tournament, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reflected on the significance of the Champions Trophy, calling it an event for all of Pakistan, not just the PCB or the government.
Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also took a moment to recognize the labourers whose tireless work made the renovation possible.
During a press conference at the stadium, he praised the workers, acknowledging their dedication to finishing the project under tough conditions. Many of them had worked long hours, often without returning home for months, in order to meet the tight deadline.
To honour their efforts, Naqvi hosted a special luncheon for over 1,500 workers. The PCB Chairman personally thanked them for their hard work, even sharing a meal with them and inviting them to the upcoming match between Pakistan and New Zealand.
Workers expressed their pride in the project, and some even took selfies with Naqvi as a token of appreciation.
Pakistan’s white-ball captain Muhammad Rizwan, was also present at the luncheon, reinforcing the strong bond between the cricket team and those behind the scenes.
This moment marked a new chapter for Gaddafi Stadium, and the nation’s cricketing future looks brighter than ever as the Champions Trophy approaches.