Pakistan to host New Zealand and South Africa in tri-nation series ahead of Champions Trophy 2025; announced schedule

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule for the tri-nation ODI series between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa. The competition between the 3 nations will start on 8th February and the finals of the series will be played on 14th February.

PCB chooses the renovated venues for the series

Crucially, the Pakistan board has selected the same venues for the tri-nation series which will later host the Champions Trophy matches. The iconic Gaddafi Stadium Lahore will host the first two matches, starting with the first match between Pakistan and New Zealand February 8followed by an all-visitor clash between New Zealand and South Africa February 10. The National Bank Stadium Karachi is scheduled to host the third match of the series February 12with Pakistan and South Africa, as well as the final February 14.

This will be the first time that these two venues will host international cricket matches following much-needed upgrades to the stadium ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. It is speculated that the PCB’s decision to select these venues for the series is in response to rumors of possible delays in the upgrade work, which have led to discussions about the possibility of a venue change for the prestigious tournament.

According to the PCB’s press release, the capacity of spectators at the Gaddafi Stadium has been increased significantly, with new seats installed throughout the venue. To enhance the streaming experience, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been introduced, increasing LUX levels for superior illumination. In addition, 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 complex for players and officials is also nearing completion, further enhancing the overall experience.

At the National Bank Stadium, a number of major improvements have been implemented, including the addition of a new hospitality precinct for players and officials at the University End. To increase the quality of the broadcast, 350 LED lights have been installed, offering optimal visibility to viewers around the world. In addition, two digital replay screens have been installed and 5,000 new seats have been added to improve spectator comfort.

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Lahore and Karachi will host crucial Champions Trophy matches

The venues are set to host the key events for the Champions Trophy 2025, along with the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadiumwhich will serve as the third venue of 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 set up crucial group stage encounters, including a pivotal clash between them Afghanistan i south africa, as well as a vital clash between South Africa and England

Meanwhile, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will feature exciting clashes 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. Also, the iconic Gaddafi Stadium is slated to host the final of the tournament if India fail to qualify.

Read also: Champions Trophy 2025: ICC responds to exclusion of Pakistan’s name from India’s jersey