Renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi officially inaugurated
The venue to host three matches of the Champions Trophy
Karachi’s National Bank Stadium Inaugurated After Extensive Renovation
KARACHI: The iconic National Bank Stadium was officially inaugurated on Tuesday following a major renovation ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place from February 19 to March 9.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, and federal minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, along with several other notable politicians.
Adding to the grandeur, Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing tri-nation ODI series and the upcoming Champions Trophy also participated in the event.
The celebration marks the successful completion of the stadium’s extensive upgrades in a record 120 days. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that cricket fans in attendance would enjoy live music, a dazzling fireworks display, and a unique light show, with free entry for the public.
Renowned artists Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali, and Sahir Ali Bagga were invited to perform, followed by an electrifying drum and fireworks display to further enhance the festivities.
The stadium has undergone significant upgrades, now featuring modern LED floodlights, two state-of-the-art scoreboard screens, comfortable seating in all enclosures, and newly built dressing rooms for players.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi closely monitored the renovation process with multiple visits, ensuring timely completion. Nearly 5,000 dedicated workers contributed to the transformation, making the venue fully operational for the tri-series and the Champions Trophy 2025.
Naqvi highlighted that the project aligns with the PCB’s vision of elevating Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure to global standards.
“The National Bank Stadium, which last underwent a major renovation during the 1996 World Cup, now stands as a world-class facility that will not only host domestic and international matches but also provide players and fans with a top-tier experience,” he stated.
For context, the newly upgraded stadium will host two matches of the ongoing tri-nation ODI series—featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa—on February 12 and 14.
It will also serve as the venue for three highly anticipated matches of the Champions Trophy 2025, including the tournament opener between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19.
