In a significant moment just days before the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, marking a new era in the iconic venue's 65-year history.

PCB is set to inaugurate the newly upgraded Gaddafi Stadium with a grand opening ceremony on 7 February. The event will include live musical performances, fireworks, a light show, and drum performances ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The unveiling comes days after news reports emerged expressing concern over stadium renovations set to miss several deadlines.

Pakistan will showcase its newly upgraded stadium at Lahore when it takes on New Zealand in the opening game Saturday of a tri-series cricket tournament, which also involves an understrength South Africa.

Pakistan is readying for a historic cricket season, unveiling an upgraded 35,000-capacity stadium in Lahore. The Gaddafi Stadium's renovation precedes the Champions Trophy, the first major ICC tournament Pakistan is hosting in 29 years.

Pakistan opened a renovated stadium for the Champions Trophy in Lahore on Friday, one of three to be used in its first major international cricket event in almost 30 years.