Ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) overspent on renovations of stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with costs jumping from an initial estimate of 12.3 billion to 18 billion Pakistani rupees (approximately USD 20.4 million). Despite the renovations, matches were abandoned in Rawalpindi and Lahore due to poor conditions, including leaking roofs and flooded grounds. This sparked criticism from fans questioning the renovations’ effectiveness. Additionally, a senior government official plans to address the PCB’s disappointing performance in the tournament in Parliament, emphasizing the instability within the cricket board and the sport’s decline in Pakistan.
In anticipation of the Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board invested significantly in the renovation of three stadiums located in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. However, costs surged by over five billion rupees (approximately USD 20.4 million). The initial projected budget for the upgrades of PCB venues in these cities was 12.3 billion Pakistani rupees (around Rs 383 crore), but this escalated to 18 billion Pakistani rupees (about Rs 561 crore). Unfortunately, rain at two venues—Rawalpindi and Lahore—resulted in match cancellations.
The matches between Australia and South Africa on February 25 and Pakistan and Bangladesh on February 27 (both in Rawalpindi) were called off without even a toss due to injuries. Additionally, the game between Afghanistan and Australia on February 28 in Lahore was also abandoned.
A fan from Pakistan shared a video showcasing leaking roofs and a waterlogged field, expressing disbelief that any renovations had actually taken place.
After spending 1,800 Cr (initial budget: 1,230 Cr) on stadium renovations for Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan’s stadiums are in dire condition!
-Ceiling leaks during rain
-Water pooling everywhere
-Match cancelled due to a flooded outfield
Where did all the money go?… pic.twitter.com/i409Rn87ku
— BALA (@erbmjha) March 2, 2025
In the meantime, a senior official from the Pakistan government indicated that he would urge Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to bring up the national cricket team’s lackluster performance in the Champions Trophy during discussions in both Parliament and the Federal Cabinet. “The (Pakistan) Cricket Board is an independent institution. They can operate as they wish, which they have done. I will request the Prime Minister to bring this issue up in Cabinet and Parliament,” stated Rana Sanaullah, the advisor to the PM on Political and Public Affairs, while speaking to Geo TV channel.
Pakistan’s journey in this prestigious tournament concluded prematurely after significant losses to New Zealand (by 60 runs) and India (by six wickets). Their last group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to continuous rain.
Sanaullah, who has served as both a federal and provincial minister and is a prominent member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) party, clarified that the caretaker government prior to last year’s general elections had completely separated the PCB from federal control.
“The issue is that we have experienced fluctuations in cricket and changes within the Board over the past decade,” remarked Sanaullah, while also pointing out the poor state of the sport at club, university, and district levels.
With PTI inputs
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