As Pakistan gears up to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the revamped design of Karachi's National Stadium, one of the key venues for the tournament.
The redesign is part of a larger renovation effort across major cricketing venues in the country, with the first phase set to be completed before the Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, 2025.
According to the PCB, the renovation will be carried out in two phases. The initial phase, focusing on structural upgrades, is targeted for completion ahead of the tournament. The second phase, which includes roofing the entire stadium, will be finalized post-tournament.
The newly approved blueprint reveals significant changes, including the construction of a new building in front of the main structure. This building is expected to accommodate VIP boxes, a gallery, media boxes, and spaces designated for the players' families. The dressing rooms may also be relocated to this new facility. Additionally, the old scoreboard building has already been demolished, along with the Iqbal Qasim and Naseem-ul-Ghani enclosures.
In light of the ongoing construction, the Pakistan-Bangladesh Test match, scheduled for August 30th, will be held without spectators. The PCB has assured that no construction work will be carried out during match timings, with activities limited to off-hours or night shifts.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is personally overseeing the renovation project, recently visited the headquarters of BDP Pattern in London. The UK-based architectural firm, renowned for designing over 200 international-standard stadiums, has been entrusted with the project. Chairman Naqvi expressed his satisfaction with the proposed designs, emphasizing that this is the first time Pakistani stadiums are being upgraded to accommodate such a large number of cricket fans.
The upgrade project encompasses not just the National Stadium in Karachi but also venues in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The PCB has allocated Rs12.80 billion for the renovations, with a completion deadline set before the Champions Trophy. This effort is part of a broader initiative to modernize Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure in anticipation of the marquee event.
Meanwhile, the ICC has approved a budget of approximately $70 million for the Champions Trophy, covering expenses during the support period from February 12 to 18, 2025. This period will be dedicated to warm-up matches, media activities, and promotional events, with decisions made in collaboration between the ICC and the PCB.
In the lead-up to the tournament, warm-up matches will be held across three cities—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi—with each participating team allowed to play a maximum of two matches.
Chairman Naqvi reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the renovations, stating that the PCB is fully prepared to meet the challenges ahead.
