Just days before the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially unveiled the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, ushering in a new chapter for the iconic venue, which has stood for 65 years.
Pakistan me mela lagne wala ha Cricket ka😍#Gaddafistadium pic.twitter.com/Nwgv89oT4U
— Saif (@Im_Saifkhan) February 7, 2025
The evening was filled with memorable performances by renowned artists, including Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar, and Aima Baig. The celebrations also featured an energetic drum performance and an impressive fireworks display. To further enhance the occasion, a spectacular light show added to the grandeur of the event.
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In his speech, PM Shehbaz expressed great pride in the successful completion of the renovation, acknowledging the collective efforts of everyone involved, from the contractors and workers to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who supervised the project.
He also recognized the support of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, thanking both her and the provincial government for their contributions. Referring to the rapid pace of the renovation, he humorously quipped, “Shehbaz Speed” is a thing of the past, now we have “Mohsin Speed.”
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The Prime Minister also praised the performance of the Pakistan cricket team, highlighting their recent stellar performances that have won the hearts of the nation. He expressed excitement about their upcoming Champions Trophy campaign, hoping they would defeat India and become heroes for the entire nation, earning the admiration of 240 million people.
Earlier in the event, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi mentioned that just four months ago, the Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone for the renovation project. The stadium, an aging structure, was transformed in record time, with over 2,500 workers working tirelessly to complete the state-of-the-art venue in just 117 days. He commended the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and the Pakistan Army for their vital support in making the project a reality.
Naqvi emphasized that after nearly three decades, Pakistan was finally set to host a major international tournament, and he expressed confidence that the nation would unite to ensure its success.
The opening ceremony promises to be a memorable event, with a vibrant mix of music, dance, and fireworks. Fans can attend for free, with the stadium gates opening at 5:30 pm, though the Imran Khan enclosure will be reserved for special guests.