LAHORE: Historic Gaddafi Stadium is being given a new look for hosting the high-profile Indepe­ndence Cup series between Pakistan and the ICC World XI from Sept 12 to 15.

Necessary renovation is being carried out for the eagerly-awaited three-match T20 series between the world’s top cricketers led by South African captain Faf du Plessis and the home team.

“The arena will be tastefully decorated before the launch of the series as we still have a few days left to give the stadium a new look,” a Pakistan Cricket Board official, who is supervising the work, said while talking to the APP here on Tuesday.

Various enclosures of the stadium were being whitewashed while broken plastic chairs were also being replaced, added the PCB official.

“The stadium and its outer portion will be decorated which will add to the grandeur of one of the world’s best cricket grounds,” he said.

“The preparations [for the World XI series] are similar to those made for the Pakistan Super League final which we successfully organised earlier this year,” the official stated.

“The ground staff is preparing wickets on professional lines while the grass is being cut to give the outfield an attractive look.”

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2017