Ali Zafar, Aima Baig to perform at Gaddafi Stadium’s opening ceremony

Renowned singer Ali Zafar, along with Aima Baig and Arif Lohar, will perform at the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday.

The ceremony, set for February 7, will mark the completion of the stadium’s upgradation in a record time of just 117 days.

The PCB has promised a "spectacular" event, featuring live performances, stunning fireworks, and a unique light show. Entry to the ceremony will be free for the public.

Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to attend the event and officially inaugurate the upgraded stadium.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium, which has undergone substantial renovations, now boasts new LED lights, two state-of-the-art scoreboard screens, upgraded seating across all enclosures, newly built hospitality boxes, and enhanced facilities for both players and spectators.

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PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who oversaw the renovation process, expressed his satisfaction with the timely completion of the project, calling it a testament to the hard work of all involved.

“Our venues are now on par with international standards, and we are proud to offer cricket fans the best possible experience," Naqvi said.

He also thanked the workers and organizations, including Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), NESPAK, contractors, and PCB teams, for their dedication in making the transformation a reality.

The newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium will host two matches in the upcoming tri-nation ODI series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, on February 8 and 10.

It will also serve as the venue for at least four matches of the Champions Trophy, including the second semi-final scheduled for March 5. Should India not qualify for the final, Gaddafi Stadium could host the championship match on March 9.