The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in a rush to finish the renovation work at the National Stadium before next month's Champions Trophy. As a result, all matches initially scheduled to take place there have been moved to alternative venues.

The stadium is set to host the opening match of the prestigious ICC event between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19.

"Due to the ongoing construction and renovation work, it was decided against holding any matches at the NSK as it would only further delay the work and also disturb the players," one official said.

The PCB is overseeing a massive Rs 12 billion renovation project across all three venues hosting the Champions Trophy, including in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The renovations include extensive upgrades to the National Stadium's main building, new dressing rooms, media centres, hospitality boxes, and board offices. In addition, a new electronic scoreboard is being installed, new seating is being added in enclosures, and the stadium's fencing is being completely replaced.

The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, Pakistan's premier first-class event, commenced on Thursday at the smaller UBL Complex after being moved from the National Stadium.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently confirmed that the two-Test series against the West Indies will now be held in Multan. The series, originally scheduled for later this month, was set to begin with the first Test in Karachi. However, ongoing delays in the National Stadium’s renovation led to the change in venue.

While some construction work, which was due for completion by 15th December, was finished on time, fresh directives have been issued to the construction company to accelerate progress.