Gaddafi Stadium Drainage Issues: PCB Under Fire Over Poor Infrastructure and Waterlogging Concerns

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing heavy criticism after Gaddafi Stadium drainage issues led to the washout of the Afghanistan vs Australia match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Videos and reports exposing leaking roofs, waterlogged outfields, and substandard renovations at the historic Lahore stadium have sparked fresh controversy.

Despite an Rs 18 billion investment in stadium renovations for Champions Trophy 2025, the poor drainage system at Gaddafi Stadium failed to handle rainfall, forcing umpires to call off the match even after the rain stopped.

The latest visuals of water seeping through stadium washroom ceilings and flooding spectator stands have intensified backlash, raising concerns about Pakistan’s ability to host major international tournaments.

Gaddafi Stadium Drainage Issues Cause Match Washout

The Afghanistan vs. Australia match in the Champions Trophy 2025 was abandoned after heavy rainfall rendered the outfield unplayable.

✔ Afghanistan had set a target of 273 runs, but Australia managed only 12.5 overs before rain interrupted play.
✔ Even after the rain stopped, the outfield remained waterlogged, leading umpires to call off the match.
✔ PCB’s poor drainage infrastructure failed to clear standing water, resulting in yet another washout in Lahore.

Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal slammed the situation, calling it a “bad advertisement for Pakistan.”

“Renovating a stadium is fine, but the drainage system and super sopper should be the number one priority. 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,” Madan Lal told ANI.

The Gaddafi Stadium drainage issues have now sparked a larger debate over PCB’s stadium management and tournament preparedness.

Leaking Roofs, Waterlogging Add to PCB’s Woes

In addition to the Gaddafi Stadium drainage issues, newly surfaced videos from fans inside the stadium have revealed leaking roofs in the washrooms and waterlogging in spectator stands.

📹 Viral Footage Exposes:

✔ Water dripping from washroom ceilings inside Gaddafi Stadium.
✔ Flooded stands where spectators were seated.
✔ Poor-quality renovation work despite PCB’s massive budget for upgrades.

One of the videos, shared by the Pakistan news portal, Tribune, shows water seeping through the roof of a washroom, reinforcing claims that the stadium renovations were rushed and poorly executed.

Gaddafi Stadium Renovations Done in Just 117 Days

Reports suggest that Gaddafi Stadium’s renovation was completed in just 117 days after Pakistan missed multiple deadlines. However, the leaking washroom ceilings and failed drainage system indicate that the renovation work was substandard.

Why Was the Renovation Rushed?

✔ Pakistan faced multiple delays in preparing stadiums for the Champions Trophy.
✔ Work had to be completed within months, leading to compromised quality.
✔ Despite an Rs 18 billion budget, critical infrastructure like drainage was ignored.

These structural failures have now embarrassed the PCB on an international stage, raising doubts about Pakistan’s ability to host future ICC tournaments.

Criticism Mounts Over Pakistan’s Tournament Preparations

The Gaddafi Stadium drainage issues have added to ongoing criticism of Pakistan’s management of the Champions Trophy 2025. This isn’t the first infrastructure-related controversy of the tournament:

❌ Multiple washed-out matches due to poor drainage at Lahore and Rawalpindi.
❌ Players and teams forced to adjust travel plans due to scheduling uncertainty.
❌ Concerns over player safety due to subpar pitch and ground conditions.

Pakistan had hoped that hosting the Champions Trophy would showcase its ability to organize world-class tournaments, but the leaking roofs, waterlogged fields, and rushed renovations have instead drawn global criticism.

Can PCB Recover from the Gaddafi Stadium Controversy?

With two semi-finals and the final still to be played, the PCB must urgently address the Gaddafi Stadium drainage issues to prevent further embarrassments.

Potential Solutions for PCB:

✔ Improve drainage infrastructure immediately to avoid further washouts.
✔ Enhance ground maintenance teams with better equipment like super soppers.
✔ Conduct a proper structural review of renovations before future tournaments.
✔ Ensure better planning and execution for future ICC events in Pakistan.

However, the damage to PCB’s reputation has already been done, and fans, players, and cricket experts will be closely watching how they handle the remainder of the tournament.

Conclusion

The Gaddafi Stadium drainage issues and leaking infrastructure problems have put the Pakistan Cricket Board under immense scrutiny during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. What was meant to be a showcase of Pakistan’s cricketing revival has instead turned into a debacle of poor planning and mismanagement.

With further knockout matches to be played, the PCB will need to step up its ground management to ensure that no more matches are lost due to inadequate infrastructure.

Can Pakistan recover from this embarrassment and successfully host the remainder of the tournament? The world is watching.

🏏 Stay tuned for more updates on the Champions Trophy 2025! 🏏

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