Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated on Friday the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore amid grand celebration with fireworks and music in front of a crowded Gaddafi stadium. Addressing the participants, PM Shehbaz expressed immense joy on a significant day for Pakistan, acknowledging the remarkable progress made under the leadership of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
The prime minister referred to the successful completion of the renovation of the Qaddafi Stadium in a stunning manner. PM Shehbaz said the reconstruction of the Qaddafi Stadium has been completed in a truly splendid way.
Pakistan is all prepared to host the Champions Trophy 2025 after twenty-nine years. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and other officials were also present on the occasion.
The PM praised the collaborative effort behind the achievement, noting that it was made possible in just 117 days. Everyone worked together as a team to turn the impossible into possible, he added.
PM Shehbaz asked Babar Azam and Rizwan that the nation has lots of expectations from you. PM also advised Shaheen Afridi to follow in the footsteps of his father-in-law Shahid Afridi and pile up wickets. The Prime Minister hoped that InshaAllah nation will witness the day when Pakistani national team defeats India. InshaAllah, Allah will grant the Champions Trophy to our team, Shehbaz Sharif added, expressing confidence in the team's capabilities.
Speaking about Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership, the prime minister said Naqvi had a unique habit of rewarding those who did great work by taking them to London.
Referring to the economic situation, Shahbaz Sharif acknowledged the challenging period, noting that after relentless efforts, economic stability had been restored in Pakistan. After tireless efforts, economic stability has returned to Pakistan, the prime minister said.
Shahbaz Sharif also mentioned the previous government, said that under the current government, inflation has been rapidly dropped.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi while speaking at the inauguration ceremony, said that the Champions Trophy and the tri-series were neither the for PCB nor the government, rather it was for all of Pakistan. He also lauded the workers who worked day and night for the renovation of the stadium.
PCB Chairman took pride in the timely completion of the renovation of Qaddafi Stadium, which had been finished as per the target set before the Champions Trophy. Naqvi emphasized the dedication of the 2,500 workers who contributed to the project, noting, “Today, we held a luncheon with the workers. Many of them had not returned home for three months.”
He acknowledged their hard work and sacrifice throughout the renovation process. The PCB Chairman also expressed his gratitude to the Pakistan Army for stepping in during difficult times.
Mohsin Naqvi lauded Pakistan Army which came to aid the government during challenging times. Naqvi further acknowledged the invaluable cooperation of the Punjab government. Had the Punjab government not cooperated, the surroundings of the stadium would have been filled with debris.
He attributed much of the success of the project to the support provided by the Punjab government. Reflecting on the significance of the renovation, Naqvi said after 30 years, a major tournament is set to be held in Pakistan, and this stadium is now ready for it. Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the workers who worked for 12 to 14 hours for the renovation of the stadium.
On the occasion, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that PM Shehbaz's decision to appoint Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief had turned right. Sadiq said, "I have played frequently at the Gaddafi Stadium. The cricket has been called as the game of by-chance." He said, "We should boost the morale of the players, as winning or losing is part of the game."
The Gaddafi Stadium is set to host the Champions Trophy as the ICC had cleared all three venues (National Stadium, Karachi, Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi and Gaddafi Stadium) for hosting the matches but the PCB allocated a huge amount of Rs12.80 billion to revamp the three stadiums. While the Gaddafi Stadium reconstruction has been completed, the Rawalpindi Stadium reconstruction will be completed after the Champions Trophy concludes.
Federal ministers and members of the assembly attended the event, highlighting the government's dedication to enhancing sports infrastructure. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz also participated in the ceremony, reinforcing the provincial administration’s support for the project.