Amid concerns over Pakistan’s readiness in completing the renovation work of the stadiums in time for the upcoming Champions Trophy, a five-member ICC delegation visited the country on Thursday to take stock of preparations for the marquee tournament.

There have been several media reports stating that the Champions Trophy 2025 might be shifted out of Pakistan due to delay in renovation work at the stadiums in the country.

Critical upgrades, including multi-story enclosures for dressing rooms and hospitality boxes, floodlight installations, seat arrangements, and fencing, are still incomplete

Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to start from February 19 and the first match of the marquee event will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Pakistan was originally scheduled to host the entire tournament in three cities – Lahore, Karachi and Rawapindi. However, the country might end up missing out entirely on hosting its first global event since the 1996 World Cup.

Pakistan last hosted a global tournament at home in 1996, when it co-hosted the ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka

With 44 days left to go for the start of the much-awaited Champions Trophy, there is a lot of concern for PCB and Pakistan as stadiums are not ready as yet.

India are expected to play a practice match in Dubai ahead of their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, which will take place at the same venue, according to a report from India Today. The ICC is currently working on finalizing practice facilities across the four venues in Pakistan and organizing the warm-up schedule for the eight teams participating in the prestigious tournament.

Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are the three venues that have been chosen to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from February 19. January 25, 2025 is the deadline for the completion of works.