M Chaudary. It's a busy time for Pakistan cricket. The 35,capacity Gaddafi stadium has been upgraded in less than four months for the country's first major ICC tournament in 29 years when it will host the eight-nation Champions Trophy, starting Feb. Archrival India is the only participating team which will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Instead, India will play all its games in Dubai, including the marquee group match between Pakistan and India on Feb. The March 9 final will also be played at Dubai if India is one of the teams.
By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. Everyone of you will be remembered because it was due to your untiring effort and the help of God almighty that this project is completed. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the stadium Friday evening and Naqvi said he will ask Sharif to announce awards for the workers.
In the absence of injured Saim Ayub, Pakistan has slotted its premier batter Babar Azam as one of the opening options with recalled Fakhar Zaman in both the tri-series and the Champions Trophy. One of the world's most prolific ODI batters in his usual No. Ayub was ruled out of the Champions Trophy after fracturing his right ankle during a test match against South Africa last month. Police vehicle escorts mini-buses carrying New Zealand cricket team arriving at the Gaddafi Stadium for practice session, in Lahore, Pakistan, Friday, Feb.
Pakistan has also recalled all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah to give more bowling and batting options in the middle-order with Abrar Ahmed as the sole specialist spinner in the squad. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner welcomes its chance to play Pakistan in the tri-series ahead of the Black Caps' opening game of the Champions Trophy against the hosts at Karachi on Feb. New Zealand is sweating on the fitness of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and has flown in Jacob Duffy as backup in the tri-series.
South Africa suffered a major setback when fast bowler Gerald Coetzee was ruled out of the tri-series and Champions Trophy tournaments with a groin injury. Sign up for our daily sports newsletter Get stories, photos and videos about your favorite New York teams in your inbox every morning.
