Champions Trophy 2025: Imran Khan stand to stay at Gaddafi Stadium

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed speculation that former skipper and politician Imran Khan's name would be removed from an enclosure at the newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore owing to his imprisonment on charges of corruption.

There were speculations about PCB removing Imran's name due to the current political dynamics in the nation. The Gaddafi stadium has been renovated for the Champions Trophy that starts on February 19, with eight teams are set to compete in the marquee event this year. UAE is going to host India's matches in the tournament.

The Imran Khan enclosure, one of the VIP stands in the stadium, has been a permanent fixture at the venue since 1992, when he the charismatic cricketer led the Men in Green to their maiden ODI World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, thet tickets for Champions Trophy matches in Lahore are being sold online under the 'Imran Khan Enclosure'. As many as three group-stage games will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium. England will face Australia on February 22 and Afghanistan on February 26 while Afghanistan and Australia will lock horns at the same venue on February 28. The three teams are placed in Group B along with South Africa.

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The second semi-final, which is scheduled to be played in Lahore on March 5, will feature Pakistan if the Men in Green make it to the top four. Meanwhile, the summit clash will be played in Dubai on March 9 if India qualify. However, if India do not qualify, Lahore will host title-decider.

Imran is presently in Attock jail in Rawalpindi. The former Pakistan Prime Minister has denied allegations of corruption, insisting he is a victim of a political conspiracy. However, a court recently convicted him and his wife Bushra Bibi in a corruption case, sentencing them to 14 and seven years, respectively in prison.