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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule for the tri-nations ODI series among Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa. The contest between the 3 nations is set to begin on February 8 and the finals of the series will be played on February 14.
PCB chooses the renovated venues for the series
Crucially, the Pakistani board has selected the same venues for the tri-nation series that will later host the Champions Trophy fixtures. The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will stage the first two matches, beginning with the opening encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 8, followed by an all-visitor clash between New Zealand and South Africa on February 10. The National Bank Stadium in Karachi is scheduled to host the third match of the series on February 12, featuring Pakistan and South Africa, as well as the final on February 14.
This will be the first time that these two venues will host international cricket matches following the much-needed stadium upgrades ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. There is speculation that the PCB’s decision to select these venues for the series is in response to rumors about potential delays in the upgrade work, which have sparked discussions about the possibility of a venue change for the prestigious tournament.
According to the PCB’s press release the spectator capacity at the Gaddafi Stadium has been significantly increased, with new seating installed throughout the venue. To enhance the broadcast experience, 480 cutting-edge LED lights have been introduced, boosting LUX levels for superior lighting. Additionally, two massive digital replay screens—measuring 80 feet by 30 feet and 22 feet by 35 feet—have been installed to provide fans with an immersive viewing experience. A state-of-the-art hospitality enclosure for players and officials is also nearing completion, further elevating the overall experience.
At National Bank Stadium, several major upgrades have been implemented, including the addition of a new hospitality enclosure for players and officials at the University End. To boost broadcast quality, 350 LED lights have been installed, providing optimal visibility for viewers worldwide. Additionally, two digital replay screens have been mounted, and 5,000 new seats have been added to improve spectator comfort.
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Lahore and Karachi to host crucial Champions Trophy matches
The venues are set to host key fixtures for the 2025 Champions Trophy, alongside the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which will serve as the third venue for the tournament. The National Bank Stadium in Karachi will kick off the tournament with the highly anticipated opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand. It will also stage crucial group-stage encounters, including a pivotal clash between Afghanistan and South Africa, as well as a vital showdown between South Africa and England.
Meanwhile, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will feature exciting matchups, including a high-stakes contest between Australia and England, followed by another intense battle between Afghanistan and England, and a final group-stage clash between Afghanistan and Australia. Additionally, the iconic Gaddafi Stadium is slated to host the tournament final should India fail to qualify.
