Pakistan, the host of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, has unveiled a new design for Karachi’s
National Stadium, marking the beginning of a significant overhaul aimed at modernizing the iconic
venue.
The renovation, set to take place in two phases, is part of a broader initiative by the Pakistan Cricket
Board (PCB) to upgrade key stadiums across the country ahead of the prestigious tournament
scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
The first phase of construction at the National Stadium is slated for completion before the
Champions Trophy, ensuring the venue is ready to host international teams and fans. The new
design reveals the addition of a building in front of the main structure, which will include VIP boxes,
a gallery, media facilities, and accommodations for players’ families. The dressing rooms, currently
housed in the main building, are also expected to be relocated to this new facility.
In the second phase, a roof will be installed across the entire venue, further enhancing the stadium’s
infrastructure. As part of the ongoing work, the old scoreboard building has been demolished, along
with the Iqbal Qasim and Naseem-ul-Ghani enclosures.
To minimize disruption, construction activities will pause during match hours, particularly for the
upcoming Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on August 30. The
match will be held without spectators due to the ongoing construction.
The PCB has earmarked Rs12.80 billion for the upgradation of the National Stadium, along with
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This decision was approved by Mohsin
Naqvi, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, following his visit to the London headquarters
of BDP Pattern, a renowned UK-based architectural firm responsible for the design. BDP Pattern,
established 63 years ago, has a distinguished portfolio, having designed approximately 200 stadiums
worldwide and earned over 1,000 design quality awards.
During the visit, Chairman Naqvi was briefed on the detailed plans for the stadium upgrades.
Expressing his satisfaction with the designs, Naqvi emphasized that this renovation marks the first
time the stadiums will be upgraded to accommodate such a large number of cricket fans, a key
priority for the PCB.
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In addition to the stadium renovations, the ICC has approved a budget of approximately $70
million for the Champions Trophy. This budget will cover expenses during the support
period, set from February 12 to 18, which includes warm-up matches, media engagements,
and promotional activities. The specific schedule for warm-up matches, which will take place
in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, will be finalized by the ICC in consultation with the
PCB.