He Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule of the Tri-Nations ODI series between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa. The contest between the 3 nations will begin on February 8 and the series finals will be played on February 14.
PCB chooses the renewed places for the series
Crucially, the Pakistani Board has selected the same venues for the Tri-Nation series that will later host the Champions Trophy fixtures. The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the first two matches, starting with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand in February 8followed by an away clash between New Zealand and South Africa in February 10. He National Bank Stadium in Karachi is scheduled to host the third match of the series in February 12with Pakistan and South Africa, as well as the final in February 14.
This will be the first time these two venues will host international cricket matches following much-needed stadium upgrades ahead of Champions Trophy 2025. It is speculated that the PCB’s decision to select these venues for the series is in response to rumors about possible delays in the upgrade work, which have sparked discussions over the possibility of a change of venue for the prestigious tournament.
According to the PCB press release, spectator capacity at Gaddafi Stadium has increased significantly, with new seating installed throughout the venue. To enhance the streaming experience, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been introduced, increasing Lux levels for superior illumination. Additionally, two massive digital playback screens, measuring 80 feet by 30 feet and 22 feet by 35 feet, have been installed to provide fans with an immersive viewing experience. A state-of-the-art hospitality venue for players and officials is also nearing completion, further elevating the overall experience.
At National Bank Stadium, several major improvements have been implemented, including the addition of a new hospitality facility for players and officials at the University End. To increase the quality of the broadcast, 350 LED lights have been installed, providing optimal visibility for viewers around the world. Additionally, two digital playback screens have been mounted and 5,000 new seats have been added to improve spectator comfort.
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Lahore and Karachi to host crucial Champions Trophy matches
The venues are set to host key fixtures for the 2025 Champions Trophy, along with the rawalpindi cricket stadiumwhich will serve as the third place for the tournament. The National Bank Stadium in Karachi will begin the tournament with the much-awaited opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand. It will also host crucial encounters in the group stage, including a pivotal clash between Afghanistan and South Africa, as well as a vital confrontation between South Africa and England.
Meanwhile, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will feature exciting showdowns, including a high-stakes contest between Australia and England, followed by another intense battle between Afghanistan and England, and a final group stage clash between Afghanistan and Australia. Additionally, the iconic Gaddafi Stadium is scheduled to host the final of the tournament if India fails to qualify.