The National Stadium Karachi is undergoing a significant transformation as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Renovation work has entered its final phase, with January 31 set as the revised deadline for completion. This marks the third extension since work began, but officials remain confident that all upgrades will be finished in time for the highly anticipated event.
Work on the stadium started on October 22 under the approval of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), chaired by Mohsin Naqvi. Initially scheduled to be completed by December 15, the first phase of the project saw multiple extensions but is now nearing its conclusion. General Manager Arshad Khan and Project Manager Mohammad Bilal Chohan have assured that the stadium will be fully prepared to host matches starting in February.
The upgraded stadium will include a five-story building with world-class facilities. The ground floor is already complete, housing essential areas like the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, Anti-Doping Unit, physiotherapy rooms, and match officials’ rooms. Dressing rooms on the second floor are nearly ready, while hospitality boxes on the third and fourth floors are set to accommodate 1,000 guests. The fifth floor, featuring the chairman’s boxes and administration block, will be completed as scheduled.
Other enhancements include a dedicated corridor for guests, a modern player entry and exit route, and VIP pavilions. Each floor will have separate entrances, and state-of-the-art lifts are being installed to provide convenience for players and visitors.
Lighting upgrades are also a major focus. The stadium will feature advanced LED lighting similar to that used in top stadiums in Australia, England, and South Africa. Each of the 360 lights costs Rs1.2 million, with the total lighting system costing an estimated Rs430 million. Floodlight poles for practice sessions outside the stadium are also being installed.
To enhance the visual appeal, three 3D logos are being added. A new parking area that can accommodate 2,700 vehicles is ready, though it still requires ICC approval for use. Seating capacity, temporarily reduced to 28,000 during construction, will accommodate an additional 2,000 spectators in the pavilion area.
The renovation comes with a price tag of Rs3.5 billion, with special attention to safety and security. All stakeholders have been consulted to ensure the smooth conduct of matches at the venue. Once completed, the stadium will host three matches during the Champions Trophy, along with the opening ceremony on February 19.
The final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and a Test match against the West Indies, both initially scheduled for the National Stadium, were shifted to other venues due to the ongoing work. However, cricket fans can look forward to the opening match of the Champions Trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand, followed by other exciting games featuring Afghanistan, South Africa, and England.
The National Stadium Karachi is set to shine as a world-class venue, promising an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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