PCB moves tri-series with New Zealand & South Africa to Lahore, Karachi

PCB moves tri-series with New Zealand & South Africa to Lahore, Karachi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Wednesday that the ODI tri-series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, has been relocated from Multan to Karachi and Lahore.

The move dismisses speculation about delays in renovation work at these venues ahead of next month’s Champions Trophy.

Serving as a prelude to the ICC showpiece event, the tri-series is scheduled to begin on February 19 in Karachi.

The PCB confirmed that preparations for the Champions Trophy are progressing smoothly, with renovations at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi expected to meet or exceed deadlines.

“In light of the advanced stage of preparations at Gaddafi Stadium and the National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to shift the upcoming ODI tri-series to these two venues,” the PCB stated.

“The series, initially planned for Multan, reflects our confidence in these upgraded venues’ readiness to host world-class cricket, providing a top-tier experience for players, officials, and fans alike,” the statement added.

The upgrades to Gaddafi Stadium include increasing spectator capacity to 35,000 and installing new seating throughout the venue. Moreover, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been added to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for global audiences.