The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will test its newly upgraded stadiums in Karachi and Lahore during the upcoming Champions Trophy by hosting a tri-nation ODI series featuring South Africa and New Zealand from February 8.
The PCB released the official schedule for the tri-series on Saturday, with the final set to take place at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 14. The Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9.
The Board, which has spent approximately 1.2 billion rupees on upgrading and building new structures at its two Test venues, is under pressure to ensure the stadiums are ready in time for the eight-team Champions Trophy.
Pakistan will play New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy.
The PCB stated that the tri-nation series will follow a single-league format from February 8 to 14. The first two matches will be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, while the final league match and the tournament final will take place in Karachi.
To prepare for the tri-series, Pakistan and New Zealand will train under the lights at Gaddafi Stadium on February 6. South Africa’s first practice session will occur on the morning of February 9.
At Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the seating capacity has been increased with new chairs, and 480 modern LED lights have been installed to improve broadcast quality. Two large digital replay screens have also been added for better fan engagement. A state-of-the-art hospitality area for players and officials is nearing completion.
Similarly, National Stadium in Karachi has been upgraded with 350 LED lights to improve broadcast visibility, two replay screens, and 5,000 new chairs. A new hospitality area for players and officials has also been built at the University End.
