The Champions Trophy 2025 controversy continues to escalate as former Indian cricketer Madan Lal slammed the poor drainage system at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium after the Afghanistan vs. Australia Group B match was abandoned due to rain.
The match, which was interrupted in the second innings after 12.5 overs, highlighted serious flaws in the stadium’s infrastructure, with ground staff struggling to remove water puddles using mop sticks and outdated methods.
Champions Trophy 2025 Controversy: A ‘Bad Advertisement for Pakistan’
Expressing his frustration over the issue, Madan Lal called the stadium’s drainage system a major embarrassment for Pakistan.
“This is 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,” said Lal.
This Champions Trophy 2025 controversy raises serious concerns over Pakistan’s preparedness to host international cricket tournaments, especially since the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is one of the main venues for the event.
Champions Trophy 2025 Controversy Over Venue Selection
Apart from the drainage system issues, the tournament has also faced backlash over the venue allocation. Several former cricketers, including Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, have criticized the advantage given to India, as they play all their group-stage matches in Dubai, while other teams have to travel across different venues in Pakistan.
Lal acknowledged the criticism but pointed out that India had clarified their stance early on.
“Yes, there is an advantage, but India cleared it quite early. But teams will complain,” he added.
This venue debate has fueled tensions among participating teams, with some arguing that India’s fixed location gives them better playing conditions while others face inconsistent pitches and travel fatigue.
India Dominates Group A Despite Controversy
Amidst the Champions Trophy 2025 controversy, India has secured a semi-final spot after convincing victories against Bangladesh and Pakistan in Group A. Their final group-stage match against New Zealand will determine the top two teams from the group.
Despite the ongoing criticism and debates over India’s playing advantage, Lal believes that the focus should remain on the quality of matches rather than off-field disputes.
“It doesn’t matter. Tomorrow’s match should be good because it will be a good rehearsal for the semi-final,” said Lal.
Champions Trophy 2025 Controversy: Pakistan’s Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
The Champions Trophy 2025 controversy has once again brought Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure into the spotlight. With the Gaddafi Stadium’s drainage system failing, concerns are rising over whether Pakistan can efficiently host the knockout stages of the tournament.
Key Issues Raised in the Champions Trophy 2025 Controversy:
✔ Poor drainage system affecting match results.
✔ Outdated ground management techniques criticized.
✔ Unfair advantage given to India by scheduling all their matches in Dubai.
✔ Concerns over Pakistan’s capability to host international tournaments.
While cricket fans hope for smooth operations in the upcoming matches, the Champions Trophy 2025 controversy has already cast a shadow over the tournament’s credibility.
What’s Next?
As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen whether the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will address these concerns or if further venue-related disputes will arise. With the semi-finals approaching, all eyes will be on the weather conditions, infrastructure, and fairness of match allocations in the remaining fixtures.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Champions Trophy 2025 controversy and its impact on the tournament’s future.
