Karachi: The newly renovated National Stadium Karachi is ready to be inaugurated tomorrow night with a colorful ceremony with fireworks and a spectacular light show while entry to the public will be free.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement that the stadium’s reconstruction, which began on September 28, 2024, and was completed on January 31, 2025.
The pavilion building was completely torn and rebuilt, while new seats have been installed in each enclosure.
According to Naqvi, the stadium has now advanced LED light throwers and modern score screens, while fences have been removed to give spectators an improved viewing experience.
In addition, all hospitality boxes have been renovated to improve comfort.
He praised the workers who worked tirelessly on the project and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), National Engineering Services Pakistan (Norparse), Contractors and the PCB team.
The PCB chairman assured that world-class facilities have been introduced to both spectators and players, especially in preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy, where visitors teams will be provided with top-tier facilities.
In a post on X, Naqvi also revealed that prominent faces from Pakistan’s music industry including
Ali Zafar Shafqat Amanat Ali Sahir Ali Bagga will also appear in the inauguration ceremony.
The inauguration of the venue comes days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Lahores Gaddafi Stadium, which also started extensive renovations.
PCB, last year, began a major upgrade project of the two stadiums due to the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, whose matches are planned to take place at these venues along with Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Gaddafi Stadium will then host its first Champions Trophy match on February 22 with an exciting clash between traditional cricket rivals England and Australia.
The eight-team tournament, which consists of 15 matches, begins on February 19 and culminates on March 9.
The teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Endghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.
Pakistan will host a total of 10 matches, while four matches, including all three of India’s group phase matches and the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.
The final of Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played in Lahore, but if India qualifies, it will be held in Dubai.
In addition, the stadiums in Karachi and Lahore are also currently hosting the Tri-Nation series between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa, which began on February 8 and continues until February 14.
