PM Shehbaz inaugurates newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium

 PM Shehbaz inaugurates newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium

Prays to see Pakistan win Champions Trophy

Asher Butt

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, ahead of the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The premier was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and other officials during the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz expressed his delight at the completion of the stadium's reconstruction with "such grandeur." He expressed his faith in the Pakistan team to win the tournament, stating, "We all are praying for you.”

Premier Shehbaz expressed hope that the Pakistan squad would win the hearts of the Pakistanis by clinching victory in the Champions Trophy and especially, defeating arch-rival India in the upcoming match to be held in Dubai. “We are all waiting for the moment when you will defeat India. Babar Azam and Rizwan, we have lots of expectations from you."

Earlier in the day, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi inspected the arrangements for the grand opening ceremony and directed officials to ensure a spectacular event befitting the newly revamped Gaddafi Stadium. Naqvi returned to the country early in the morning and, without taking a break, headed straight to Gaddafi Stadium to oversee the preparations.

"This event should reflect the grandeur of the new Gaddafi Stadium," Naqvi emphasized. He credited the entire team for completing the stadium's reconstruction in record time, calling it a proud moment for Pakistan. "The newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium stands as one of the most beautiful and world-class cricket venues, completed in record time. I am thankful to Allah for fulfilling the promise made to the nation."

Naqvi assured that both cricket fans and players would enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities provided in the stadium.

Pakistan's Jersey Revealed:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the national team’s official jersey for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in a grand ceremony at the newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium. The fully revamped stadium will be in the spotlight during the tri-nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, hosting matches on February 8 and 10.

The venue is also set to play a major role in the Champions Trophy, hosting at least four matches, including the second semi-final on March 5. If India does not qualify for the final, Gaddafi Stadium is likely to host the title clash on March 9.

It’s worth noting that the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off on February 19, with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.