Renovation Progress Reaches Final Phase
The renovation and upgrade of National Stadium Karachi for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have entered the final phase, with construction now set to meet the January 31 deadline after multiple extensions. Arshad Khan, General Manager of the stadium, and Project Manager Mohammad Bilal Chohan assured the media that the stadium would be fully ready to host the mega event.
The project, which began on October 22, 2024, under the approval of the PCB Governing Board, was initially expected to complete in phases by December 15 but saw delays. Now, finishing touches are underway to ensure readiness for the event’s opening ceremony on February 19.
Key Renovations and Additions
- Five-Story Building:
- Ground floor: ICC Anti-Corruption and Anti-Doping Units, physiotherapy rooms, and match officials’ facilities.
- Second floor: Two modern dressing rooms nearing completion.
- Third and fourth floors: 24 hospitality boxes with a capacity for 1,000 guests.
- Fifth floor: Chairman’s boxes and administration block, on track for completion.
- Guest and Team Access:
- A new corridor and modern player entry/exit route resembling international stadiums.
- VIP pavilions and separate entrances for each floor, with state-of-the-art elevators for convenience.
- Lighting and Visual Enhancements:
- 360 LED floodlights installed on six poles, each costing Rs1.2 million (total cost: Rs430 million).
- Two additional floodlight poles for practice sessions at the Oval Ground.
- Three 3D logos added for improved aesthetics.
- Parking and Seating:
- Parking for 2,700 vehicles ready, pending ICC approval.
- Temporary seating capacity reduced from 32,000 to 28,000 due to construction, with an additional 2,000 seats available in the pavilion.
Adjustments for Upcoming Matches
The ongoing renovations have resulted in the relocation of key matches:
- Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Final: Shifted to UBL Ground.
- First Test Against West Indies (January 17–21): Moved to Multan.
Pakistan Announces Preliminary Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Champions Trophy Schedule in Karachi
- Opening Ceremony: February 19.
- Opening Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand on February 19.
- Second Match: Afghanistan vs. South Africa on February 21.
- Third Match: England vs. South Africa on March 1.
Investment and Focus
With a total investment of Rs3.5 billion, the renovation prioritizes safety, security, and a world-class cricketing experience. The completion of these upgrades will allow Karachi to host three critical matches in the tournament.
