Ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board invested heavily in renovating stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The renovation budget increased to approximately 561 crore rupees (USD 20.4 million), exceeding the initial estimate of 383 crore rupees. However, recent rains in Rawalpindi and Lahore led to match cancellations.
Matches like Australia vs South Africa (February 25) and Pakistan vs Bangladesh (February 27) in Rawalpindi, and Afghanistan vs Australia (February 28) in Lahore were abandoned due to rain, some without even a coin toss.
A Pakistani cricket enthusiast posted a video online showing leaky roofs and a waterlogged ground, questioning the effectiveness of the renovations.
Meanwhile, a high-ranking Pakistan government official expressed intentions to request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the national cricket team’s disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy within Parliament and the Federal Cabinet. Rana Sanaullah, advisor to the PM on Political and Public Affairs, mentioned to Geo TV channel that he would request the Prime Minister to discuss the matter, noting the PCB’s independence as an institution.
Pakistan’s journey in the tournament ended early after significant losses to New Zealand (by 60 runs) and India (by six wickets). Their final group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was also cancelled due to persistent rain.
Sanaullah, a former minister and senior member of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), clarified that the previous caretaker government had removed the PCB from federal government control.
Sanaullah also pointed out the ongoing issues in Pakistani cricket, including the inconsistent performance of the national team and the deteriorating state of cricket at club, university, and district levels.
