Karachi National Stadium Unveils New Design Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

As Pakistan prepares to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially revealed the new design for Karachi’s National Stadium, a key venue for the tournament. This redesign a part of the larger renovation efforts aimed at modernizing cricket infrastructure across the country.

Two-Phase Renovation Plan

The PCB has outlined a comprehensive renovation strategy, which will executed in two phases. The first phase, focusing on essential structural upgrades, scheduled to completed before the Champions Trophy begins on February 19, 2025. The second phase will involve roofing the entire stadium and set to be completed after the tournament concludes.

New Building and VIP Facilities

One of the most significant changes in the newly approved blueprint is the construction of a new building in front of the main stadium structure. This building will house VIP boxes, a gallery, media boxes, and areas designated for the players’ families. The dressing rooms also expected to relocated to this new facility. The existing scoreboard building has already demolished, along with the Iqbal Qasim and Naseem-ul-Ghani enclosures, to make way for these upgrades.

Impact on Upcoming Matches

Due to the ongoing construction, the Pakistan-Bangladesh Test match scheduled for August 30, 2024, will held without spectators. However, the PCB has assured fans that no construction work will occur during match timings, with all activities limited to off-hours or night shifts.

International Expertise and Budget

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is personally overseeing the renovation project. He recently visited the headquarters of BDP Pattern in London, the UK-based architectural firm renowned for designing over 200 international-standard stadiums. BDP Pattern has entrusted with the task of revamping Karachi’s National Stadium, and Chairman Naqvi has expressed his satisfaction with the proposed designs. He emphasized that this the first time Pakistani stadiums being upgraded to accommodate such a large number of cricket fans.

Broader Renovation Efforts

The renovation project extends beyond Karachi, with upgrades planned for cricket venues in Lahore and Rawalpindi as well. The PCB has allocated Rs12.80 billion for these renovations, with a completion deadline before the Champions Trophy. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure in anticipation of the global event.

Commitment to Timely Completion

Chairman Naqvi has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the renovations. He stated that the PCB fully prepared to meet the challenges ahead and determined to deliver a world-class cricketing experience at Karachi’s National Stadium.

With these significant upgrades, Karachi’s National Stadium set to become a state-of-the-art venue, ready to welcome cricket fans from around the world for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.