Pakistan’s cricketing icon Babar Azam received a rousing reception from fans at the newly renovated National Stadium Karachi during a star-studded inauguration ceremony on Tuesday. The event, hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), celebrated the stadium’s transformation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19.
A Star-Studded Affair
The ceremony brought together high-profile figures, including:
- Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori
- Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah
- PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi
- Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab
- MQM-P Convener Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
Fans were treated to free entry and live performances from Pakistan’s top singers, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
Fans Shower Love on Babar Azam
As the Pakistan national team was invited on stage to share their thoughts on the revamped stadium, the crowd erupted into chants of Babar Azam’s name when the captain stepped up to speak. Despite the uproar, Babar patiently waited for the cheers to subside before addressing the audience.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and urged fans to continue backing the team during the Champions Trophy. However, Babar also voiced a concern:
“I have a complaint with the people of Karachi that they do not come to watch the matches. Just as they turned up for this opening ceremony, they should come for the matches as well.”
A clip of this moment quickly went viral on social media, reflecting the admiration and excitement surrounding Pakistan’s cricket captain and the upcoming tournament.
National Stadium Karachi: A Renovation Marvel
The National Stadium’s stunning makeover is part of the Pakistani government’s Rs 17 billion investment to renovate cricket venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Key upgrades include:
- A new pavilion with state-of-the-art dressing rooms for players and officials, luxurious hospitality suites, and upgraded facilities.
- 350 LED floodlights to improve broadcast quality.
- Two digital replay screens for a modern viewing experience.
- Over 5,000 new chairs installed for improved spectator comfort.
The pavilion, completed in just four months, was unveiled during the ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the stadium’s history.
Champions Trophy 2025: A Historic Tournament for Pakistan
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be Pakistan’s first major ICC tournament since hosting the 1996 World Cup. The National Stadium Karachi will host three matches, including Pakistan’s opening game against New Zealand.
The anticipation for the tournament has reached new heights following the successful renovation and the enthusiastic response from fans at the inauguration ceremony.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, the spotlight remains on the National Stadium and Pakistan’s cricketing stars, with fans eagerly awaiting the action to unfold.
