KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday inaugurate the newly upgraded National Bank Stadium of Karachi in a glittery ceremony after getting a state-of-the-art brand-new pavilion, digital screens, LED lights, and thousands of new chairs for the spectators.
The stadium will host international matches of the Tri-Nation ODI Series and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the upgraded National Bank Stadium during a dazzling ceremony. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and a host of dignitaries also graced the ceremony.
This venue, dubbed the National Bank Cricket Arena, has undergone a remarkable makeover ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, set to unfold in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9.
The glittering event attracted the attention of the national team, currently engaged in a tri-nation ODI series, as well as participants in the forthcoming eight-team tournament. The ceremony not only marked the stadium’s reopening but also celebrated the astonishing achievement of completing its upgrades in just 120 days.
The occasion was further livened by performances from renowned artists Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali, and Sahir Ali Bagga, who captivated the audience with their musical talents, culminating in an impressive display of drums and fireworks. A breathtaking light show added an extra layer of spectacle to the evening.
During the festivities, CM Murad lauded the PCB for its swift renovations, reiterating his government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure in Karachi. He remarked, “The Sindh government is devoted to providing premier facilities for athletic endeavours in the city.”
He reminisced about previous upgrades, including the National Stadium’s enhancements in 2018, which were crucial for hosting Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.
Murad underscored Karachi’s fervour for cricket, promising continued support for the sport across all levels. “We will leave no stone unturned in revitalizing sports in Karachi,” he asserted.
With an eye on the Champions Trophy, he expressed his confidence in the Pakistan cricket team, stating, “We hope our Shaheens deliver an extraordinary performance.” He concluded with the sentiment that while winning and losing are inherent to the game, the spirit of competition must always prevail.
About the renovated Karachi Stadium
This iconic stadium has undergone a remarkable transformation, now featuring cutting-edge LED lighting, dual state-of-the-art scoreboard screens, comfortable seating across all enclosures, and newly constructed dressing rooms for players. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi personally oversaw the renovation process, ensuring timely completion through multiple site visits.
Nearly 5,000 dedicated workers toiled tirelessly to prepare the stadium for its upcoming events, ensuring it would be fully operational for both the tri-series and the Champions Trophy 2025. Naqvi remarked that the upgrade exemplifies the PCB’s vision of raising Pakistan’s cricket venues to international standards.
The National Bank Stadium, which last saw significant renovations during the 1996 World Cup, now stands as a modern, world-class facility poised to host both domestic and international matches while offering players and fans an unparalleled experience.
For those unaware, the newly refurbished 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 be the venue for three eagerly awaited matches of the Champions Trophy 2025, kicking off with the opener between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19.
