Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Friday that the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium Lahore will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on February 7 ahead of the highly-anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy. 

“Lahore stadium is going to be inaugurated on February 7, God willing,” Naqvi told the media at the Gaddafi Stadium.

As for the National Stadium Karachi’s inauguration, Naqvi said it will be done by President Asif Ali Zardari on February 11. 

Furthermore, he said, the stadium’s renovation is in the last stages, with workers giving it final touches, and 100% of the work will be completed before February 7.

“Construction and renovation of Gaddafi Stadium was promised to be completed on January 31,” he said adding that the work at the historical stadium began in October last year.

Referring to the opening ceremony of the event, the chairman of the national cricketing body stated that it will be held on February 16 in cooperation with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Naqvi also confirmed that India and Chairman ICC Jay Shah have been invited to the opening ceremony of the marquee event. However, he said Shah’s participation in the commemoration of the event “is not confirmed”.

“We are completely prepared for the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi assured and added that Pakistan’s squad for the event will be announced soon.

“We trust the selection team, a good team will be selected,” he added.

Talking about the international players from the seven other participating nations, Naqvi said that they will be welcomed and the PCB along with other teams, is working day and night for the security and other arrangements of the international teams.

The eight-team tournament, comprising 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, across three venues — Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi — in Pakistan and Dubai.

The eight teams are divided into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.

Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi, while the blockbuster clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

Pakistan will host a total of 10 matches, while four matches, including all three of India’s group-stage matches and the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

The final of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played in Lahore but if India qualifies then it will be held in Dubai.