The state of cricket stadiums in Pakistan is questionable, leaving all the stakeholders worried about the slow pace of renovation. While India are supposed to play their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, all other international teams are supposed to set their base in Pakistan. The latest photos of the ongoing construction at the stadium do not create a particularly positive impression. Reports out of Pakistan are now saying it is “impossible” for authorities to finish the renovation work at the stadium in time.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had promised to finish the renovation work on the stadiums by January 31, but that just does not seem possible now. Pakistan’s exposure to India, New Zealand, and South Africa is coming up as a tri-nation ODI series starting from February 08, but with the pace of work at the venues, those involved are getting highly anxious.
Though it seems absolutely impossible to conceive of the renovation works being completed within the deadline, the personnel placed in-charge beam with confidence,” a report in Pakistan media outlet Dawn read.
After the worrying images and videos that have emerged on social media, the PCB’s promise of ‘world-class experience’ has been exposed. Even basic facilities at the venues are unable to get finished on time, apparently.
“The stadiums will be in a shape to host matches, but the crux of the matter is that the PCB has promised everyone a world-class experience at these renovated venues for the Tri-series and Champions Trophy, and whether or not it can deliver on that promise will be seen,” news agency PTI quoted a source as saying.
“The stadium will definitely be ready by the end of the month,” said Bilal Chauhan, PCB Director for the Project at the National Stadium in Karachi, to the media.
“When the chairman told us of his ambition, honestly our first thought was there was simply no way to get that done on time,” said Bilal. “But with the chairman providing us enough backing, our belief grew.”
Download the CricInformer app
Take CricInformer with you. Get our app for cricket news and updates on your phone.