Former Pakistani cricketers have now joined the controversy over floodlights in the Champions Trophy. Salman Butt said there is no problem with the floodlights at Gaddafi Stadium, latest LED lights have been installed. During the first ODI match of the tri-series against Pakistan, New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra got injured while fielding. Rachin was at the boundary and got hit on the forehead while taking a catch. He had said that he couldn't see the ball due to the glare of the floodlights. New Zealand won that match by 78 runs. Salman Butt cites Barbati Stadium floodlight failure to defend PCB Pointing to the floodlight failure in the 2nd ODI between India and England at the Barabati Stadium, Butt highlighted that such incidents can happen in cricket, as he defended the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "Like some of the prior campaigns that stated Pakistan cannot host a tournament as big as the Champions Trophy because the stadiums are not ready, I want to ask the same people, 'What do you have to say about what happened in Barabati Stadium? That is an established stadium'." "So, I want to say that these things happen. These are not big issues. Just because Rachin was hit in the face doesn't mean that PCB is to be blamed for it," Butt added. Butt said – Rachin's judgment was not correct After this, some Pakistani cricketers raised questions about the floodlights. Now former cricketer and captain Salman Butt has said that there is nothing wrong with the floodlights. When New Zealand batsmen were hitting sixes on balls at 150 kmph speed, there was no problem with the flood lights. When Rachin couldn't judge the ball at 70 meters boundary, then the flood lights issue was raised. This is not right. Rachin's judgment was not correct. New Zealand Cricket's statement… Rachin has suffered a head injury, which was treated on the field, but he is fine. He has recovered from his first HIA (Head Injury Assessment) and will continue to be monitored under HIA procedures. Gaddafi Stadium reopened on February 7
Pakistan Cricket Board reopened the Gaddafi Stadium on February 7. PCB chief announced the completion of the renovation in a record time of 117 days. PCB had said – "The stadium now has better facilities, new floodlights, hospitality boxes, increased seating capacity, electronic scoreboard and top-level LED towers."Original Article