Only 20 days left for the start of the ICC Champions Trophy, but there is a rush and chaos in Pakistan regarding this prestigious cricket event. Problems like incomplete stadiums, delays in ticket sales, and the non-announcement of the squad have raised concerns about the event.
Incomplete Stadiums: Racing Against Time
Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy three years ago, but work on the stadiums began late. The three stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are still not fully ready.
Lahore Stadium: This is the main stadium for the tournament, but it is still incomplete. The balcony in front of the players’ pavilion, which offers a great view of the pitch, is yet to be completed. Work on the stair railings and floor tiles is still ongoing. The stadium’s seating capacity has been increased to 35,000, but work on the seats and new screens is still in progress.
Karachi and Rawalpindi: The situation at these stadiums is no better. The PCB and ICC have heavily invested in modernizing them, but the pace of work is slow.
The deadline to hand over the stadiums to the ICC was January 25, and now the PCB is struggling to complete the work on time. There has been considerable criticism on social media, and fans are disappointed.
Ticket Sales Have Not Started Yet
Tickets for the Champions Trophy have not yet been issued. Typically, tickets for ICC events go on sale months before the event, allowing fans, especially international ones, to plan their travel.
Past ICC Events:
- The T20 World Cup (USA and West Indies) tickets went on sale in February, four months before the tournament.
- 2023 ODI World Cup (India) tickets were released in August, two months before the event.
- 2019 Men’s ODI World Cup (England) tickets went on sale in March, two months before the event.
In contrast, Pakistan is significantly behind schedule, which could cause inconvenience for spectators and incoming guests. The delay in ticket sales could negatively impact the tournament.
Delay in Squad Announcement
The announcement of the Pakistan team for the tournament is still pending. Young star Saeem Ayub’s injury has disrupted the PCB’s plans. Saeem, who has been performing well recently, sustained an ankle injury during the Test series against South Africa and had to travel to the UK for treatment.
The PCB is closely monitoring his condition but has clarified that they will not rush him into playing and risk his career. This has made it difficult for the selection committee to finalize the right team.
Historic Moment for Pakistan
Hosting the Champions Trophy is a historic moment for Pakistan, as they are hosting such a large event after almost 30 years. However, the next two weeks will determine how successful this event will be.
Tri-Series Announcement: Amidst all this chaos, the PCB has announced a Tri-Series between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, which will begin on February 8. This series will be held in Lahore, where the stadium is still incomplete.
The Road Ahead
Time is running out, and the PCB faces a significant challenge. The incomplete stadiums, delay in ticket sales, and the non-announcement of the squad have raised serious questions about the event.
Fans are waiting for updates, but one thing is clear: The next two weeks will be decisive for Pakistan cricket. Will they successfully complete this event, or will the chaos impact the tournament? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for updates on the Champions Trophy!
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