National Stadium Karachi is prepared to host matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
Karachi’s National Stadium is now fully ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy, with the completion of its five-story building. The installation of digital screens and LED lights has been finalized, and the ICC has deemed the stadium suitable for the prestigious event. A grand opening ceremony is set for February 11 to unveil the revamped stadium.
Project Director Bilal Chauhan provided these updates during a media briefing, highlighting that the first phase of the stadium’s upgradation and renovation has been completed according to the approved design from an international firm. He noted that since the 1996 World Cup, the PCB has been working towards hosting another major event featuring eight teams.
The installation of modern LED lights is complete, and a 22×23 ft digital screen from Shanghai, China, has been installed in front of the Intikhab Alam Enclosure. Additionally, an 80×30 ft large digital screen has been set up in front of the Wasim Akram Enclosure under the supervision of American experts.
With support from the Sindh government, the construction of a pedestrian bridge in front of the PSB Coaching Center on Sir Shah Suleman Road is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed shortly.
In the first phase of the Rs. 3.5 billion project, the ground floor of the new building now houses rooms for ICC’s anti-corruption and anti-doping officials, physiotherapists, and match officials. The first floor features newly built dressing rooms and dining halls, while the third and fourth floors contain 24 modern hospitality boxes. Work is still ongoing on the fourth floor, including the chairman’s box and admin block. Four high-tech elevators have been installed, and a special gallery for VIPs and patrons has been created on the ground floor.
The Intikhab Alam Enclosure, which previously had only stair seating, is now being fitted with seats. The ICC has approved parking for 2,200 cars, a reduction from the original plan for 2,700. To improve spectator facilities, 75 new restrooms have been constructed. The old dressing rooms have been converted into platinum boxes, and the stadium’s roof is being thoroughly cleaned.
Decisions regarding the second and third phases of the stadium’s renovation will be made by the PCB. The project, which began on October 22, 2024, under the leadership of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has been completed ahead of the 90-day deadline, with only final touches remaining. A modern pathway, similar to those in international stadiums, has been built for players’ entrance and exit, and VIP pavilions are being constructed around the new building to ensure secure access for both teams. Each floor will have separate entry points, and heavy-duty steel camera stands have been set up.
Floodlight poles are also being installed at the Oval Ground for practice sessions, and three 3D logos with advanced technology will be placed around the venue. Due to renovation work, the stadium’s seating capacity has been reduced from 32,000 to 28,000, but an additional 1,200 seats have been added in the pavilion area.
As a token of appreciation, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will invite the workers involved in the renovation to watch a cricket match and enjoy a special lunch.
A five-member ICC delegation had previously conducted a thorough review of the ongoing renovation work. For the ICC Champions Trophy, the PCB allocated Rs. 12.8 billion for major upgrades at three venues: Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Additionally, the ICC approved a budget of $70 million for hosting the tournament.
