Thu Jan 30 12:59:30 IST 2025: ## Pakistan Scrambles to Finish Stadium Renovations Ahead of Champions Trophy Amidst ICC Criticism

**LAHORE, PAKISTAN** – Pakistan is facing a race against time to complete renovations to stadiums hosting the upcoming Champions Trophy, with deadlines repeatedly missed and concerns mounting over the country’s readiness. The final deadline of January 31st has reportedly been missed, with work now aiming for completion by February 2nd. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, scheduled to host key matches including the Australia vs. England clash and a semi-final, is notably behind schedule, with seating and digital screens still incomplete as of January 25th. Social media videos further highlight the unfinished state of various venues.

The rushed preparations have drawn criticism, particularly after the resolution of India’s refusal to tour Pakistan. Observers suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prioritized securing the matches on home soil over timely venue completion. The PCB has reportedly spent over Rs 372 crore on renovations across three venues.

Responsibility, however, extends beyond the PCB. The recent resignation of ICC CEO Geoff Allardice, just weeks before the tournament, is seen by many as a consequence of the inadequate preparations. The ICC’s decision to award the tournament to Pakistan in 2021, without a contingency plan like a hybrid model involving neutral venues for India’s matches, is also under scrutiny. This follows a pattern of recent resignations within the ICC leadership, raising wider concerns about organizational oversight.

The article highlights a broader issue: Pakistan’s declining performance in global sports. Once a powerhouse in hockey, cricket, squash, and boxing, the country has experienced a significant downturn attributed to poor governance, corruption allegations, inconsistent government support, and a failure to adapt to evolving sporting landscapes. While Pakistan remains a hub for sports equipment manufacturing, this masks a deeper crisis within its sports ecosystem.

The article cites examples of instability within the PCB, including multiple chairman changes since 2022, allegations of political interference, and the recent resignation of the Australian Test coach, Jason Gillespie, who claimed to have been kept in the dark about key decisions. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Pakistan’s sporting future and raises questions about the ICC’s due diligence in awarding future tournaments. The new ICC leadership will need to critically assess its approach, considering hybrid models and the overall strength of sports governance in host countries.

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