PCB initiates plans to upgrade NBS

The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled from February 19 to March 9 next year

KARACHI:

In preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, practical steps have been initiated for the partial renovation and refurbishment of the National Bank Cricket Stadium, Karachi.

The event is scheduled from February 19 to March 9 next year, with Pakistan, the defending champion and host, proposing three venues: Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is striving to bring the stadiums up to the required standards. The selected organization for the National Stadium Karachi’s upgrade project has commenced the preliminary work.

In the initial phase, maps for necessary changes have been prepared along with land measurements. According to sources, the proposed plan will be approved in a Governing Board meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday.

After that, construction work will officially begin. Under the plan, the main building will be repaired instead of being demolished.

The media center will be separated and relocated to the opposite side by constructing a new digital scoreboard. The condition of the 30 hospitality boxes established in the east and west directions will also be improved.

The dressing rooms will be renovated to align with modern standards. It is proposed not to demolish the enclosures, and there is no plan to increase the seating capacity of the stadium, which currently accommodates 32,000 spectators.

It is worth noting that two ICC delegations, during their visit to Pakistan this year, conducted a detailed review of the National Bank Stadium’s playing field and presented reports with various suggestions and recommendations.

In the proposed schedule, Group A includes Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Group B consists of England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.