Despite the mounting concerns, the PCB remains optimistic that the stadiums will be ready in time for the Champions Trophy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has relocated February's tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) series with New Zealand and South Africa from Multan to Lahore and Karachi, two cities set to host the Champions Trophy later in the month.

Given the advanced stage of preparations at Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to relocate the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues,' the PCB release said on Wednesday.

The excitement surrounding the Champions Trophy has been palpable, but it’s overshadowed by concerns over Pakistan's readiness to host the marquee tournament.

Pakistan last hosted a major international tournament in the 1996 World Cup, and has already been dogged by problems to their stadiums. The ICC is also wary of the situation, hoping not to repeat the logistical disappointments faced in the USA during last year’s T20 World Cup.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced that former Pakistan captain Younis Khan will accompany the national side during the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy as team mentor.

The PCB has relocated its ODI tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa to Lahore and Karachi, as it readies the two venues to host the Champions Trophy from February 19. The four-match tri-series,

Fakhar Zaman is confident of returning to international cricket after eight months when Pakistan hosts the Champions Trophy next month.

Earlier, reports claimed that the renovation works at the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi still have a long way to go, with fencing work, floodlight placement, and finishing new multi-story enclosures being incomplete.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted their upcoming tri-nation ODI series involving South Africa and New Zealand from Multan to Karachi and Lahore - venues of the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.