In yet another embarrassment for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), a roof at the newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore started leaking after rain during the recently concluded rain-affected clash between Australia and Afghanistan on Friday, February 28. The match ended in a no result with the two teams sharing a point each after only 12.5 overs were possible during Australia’s run-chase.
Australia qualified for the semi-finals after gaining a point while Afghanistan were eliminated after South Africa beat England in their final group-stage clash on Saturday to book a spot in the knockout stage. Despite around only 30 minutes of rain, the match had to be called off, leading to questions about the poor drainage system at the stadium.
While experts bashed PCB for the poor management, the fans present inside the Gaddafi Stadium also highlighted the substandard facilities at the venue. Many fans shared clips of water leaking through a roof inside the stadium and the washrooms being flooded with water after rain. Fans also pointed out how water was clogged around the seats inside the stands, highlighting the poor infrastructure.
Roof leaks at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore amid Champions Trophy 2025:
Ceiling leaking at Pakistan Stadium. Water is flowing everywhere 😂🔥
1280 Crore spent for Gaddafi Stadium
Ye stadium ke baare me Pakistani bol rahe the ki record 4 mahine me Asia ka best stadium bana diya 🤡#ChmapionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/S2zZtL3so0
— Lakshay Mehta (@lakshaymehta31) March 2, 2025
Billions spent (1280 crore Rs – US $46 million), yet Gaddafi Stadium is falling apart!
As soon as it rained, the roof started leaking. There was no drainage system. and water began dripping from toilets. Who is responsible for this? Sub-standard work.pic.twitter.com/RqOEOOm4Vi
— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 2, 2025
The leaking roof and poor facilities inside the Gaddafi Stadium have come to light just a few days ahead of the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be played at the venue on March 05. South Africa, the table-toppers from Group B will take on the team which finishes 2nd in Group A in the semi-final in Lahore.
PCB spent billions to renovate stadiums ahead of Champions Trophy
The Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly spent around PKR 8 billion (INR 561 crore approximately) to renovate the stadiums in Pakistan ahead of the start of the Champions Trophy 2025. The stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi underwent renovation work before the tournament, with Pakistan hosting an ICC event after 29 years.
Ahead of the tournament, PCB made tall claims about providing world-class facilities at their stadiums, but the board has been left exposed after the poor condition of the Gaddafi Stadium post rain on Friday. Pakistan have already been eliminated from the tournament and Lahore will only get to host the final if India don’t make it to the summit clash.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been left red-faced again after roof at the newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore started leaking following rain during the clash between Australia and Afghanistan. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
