PCB’s ₹18 Billion Renovation Blunder: Gaddafi Stadium Ceiling Leaks After Brief Rain, Video Goes Viral

Gaddafi Stadium’s Infrastructure Woes Exposed During ICC Champions Trophy 2025, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing severe backlash after Gaddafi Stadium’s poor infrastructure was exposed during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite a ₹18 billion renovation project, the Lahore-based venue failed to withstand a brief spell of rain, leading to leaking ceilings and a waterlogged outfield. The washout of the Afghanistan vs Australia match due to the poor drainage system has sparked outrage among fans and experts.

Gaddafi Stadium Fails the Rain Test Once Again

On March 2, 2025, Gaddafi Stadium was scheduled to host a crucial Champions Trophy clash between Afghanistan and Australia. However, despite the rain stopping after a short period, play could not resume due to unplayable conditions on the outfield.

Afghanistan had posted a competitive 273 runs before the game was halted.

Australia had reached 12.5 overs before the rain interruption.

Even though the skies cleared, puddles on the ground and poor drainage prevented play from continuing.

The match was abandoned, leading to frustration among players, fans, and officials.

Leaking Ceilings, Waterlogged Stands: Fans Outraged Over Poor Renovations

In a shocking turn of events, videos surfaced online showing water leaking through the ceilings of washrooms at Gaddafi Stadium. This raised serious concerns over the quality of renovations, which were reportedly completed in just 117 days.

Viral Footage Highlights Stadium’s Poor Condition

Ceiling leaks in washrooms led to pools of water forming inside the stadium.

Fans posted videos of waterlogging in the stands, showing poor drainage and maintenance.

The ₹18 billion renovation project was supposed to prepare Gaddafi Stadium for international cricket, but the shoddy work has turned it into an embarrassment.

The PCB’s ambitious stadium revamp, meant to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host global events, has instead drawn sharp criticism and questions over mismanagement.

Former Players and Experts Slam PCB’s Stadium Preparations

The Champions Trophy 2025 has already seen multiple match washouts, and now the Gaddafi Stadium fiasco has intensified concerns over Pakistan’s ability to host major ICC events.

Former Indian Cricketer Madan Lal Calls It a “Bad Advertisement”

Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal slammed the PCB’s poor infrastructure planning, stating:

“It isn’t good for Pakistan. I saw yesterday’s match and their method of getting the water out… There was a lot of criticism.”

His comments reflect a growing concern among cricket experts and international players about Pakistan’s preparedness for hosting marquee tournaments.

Repeated Venue Issues Raise Questions on Future ICC Events in Pakistan

This was the third match in the Champions Trophy to be washed out due to poor drainage. Earlier, two games in Rawalpindi also suffered similar fates.

With one semi-final scheduled to be held in Pakistan, concerns over venue preparedness have now become a major talking point.

If India does not qualify for the final, the summit clash is also expected to be held in Pakistan, further intensifying worries about whether the PCB can ensure a smooth tournament.

Fans, Experts Call for Accountability from PCB

The Gaddafi Stadium disaster has left Pakistan cricket fans furious, with many calling for accountability from the PCB for mismanagement and wastage of resources.

Why did a ₹18 billion renovation fail to improve basic drainage?

How were the preparations completed in such a short period without proper quality checks?

Will Pakistan be ready to host more ICC events in the future?

These are critical questions that the PCB must address, especially with more high-profile matches lined up in Lahore.

Conclusion: A Huge Embarrassment for Pakistan Cricket

The Gaddafi Stadium leaks and poor drainage system have turned Pakistan’s Champions Trophy hosting into a nightmare. What was supposed to be a showcase of Pakistan’s cricketing revival has instead exposed flaws in planning, execution, and stadium management.

With more matches to be held in Pakistan, the PCB must act swiftly to address infrastructure concerns. Otherwise, this high-profile embarrassment may jeopardize Pakistan’s chances of hosting future ICC tournaments.

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