Pakistan National Stadium hosts ICC Cup

Article posted by Coliseum, February 24^th, 2025

Image: Pakistan Cricket Board

Pakistan’s revamped National Stadium Karachi has been officially inaugurated with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 cricket tournament now in full swing.

Bol News said major upgrades at the National Stadium Karachi have been completed to enhance both the playing and spectator experience.

These include the installation of 350 LED lights for improved broadcast quality, the addition of two digital replay screens, and over 5,000 new seats to enhance fan comfort.

The newly constructed pavilion boasts world-class dressing rooms for players and match officials, along with premium hospitality suites.

Completed in a record time of approximately four months, the renovation highlights the commitment and efficiency behind the stadium’s transformation.

There had been concerns that ongoing construction work at the 34,238-capacity National Stadium in Karachi, the 27,000-capacity Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the 15,000-capacity Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi would not be ready in time for the Champions Trophy.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy. It is being hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 19^th-March 9^th, 2025 and is being contested by the top eight ranked men’s national teams who have qualified from the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan are the defending champions having won the previous edition in 2017.

Parts of the redevelopment work at the stadia included creating additional tiers in at least two enclosures at the Gaddafi Stadium, upgrading the hospitality boxes at the Gaddafi and the National Stadiums, adding players’ dressing rooms at the National Stadium, and designing new roofs for the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium enclosures.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said, “This upgrade reflects our vision of bringing Pakistan’s cricketing venues up to international standards.

“The National Stadium, which last underwent major renovations during the 1996 World Cup, now stands as a state-of-the-art facility ready to host both domestic and international matches while offering an unparalleled experience to players and fans.”

He further acknowledged the dedication of the workforce behind the project, emphasizing that their relentless efforts had made it possible to present the National Stadium as a world-class venue, prepared to host top-tier cricketing action.

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at www.coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 500+ member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue