Karachi’s National Stadium design unveiled for 2025 Champions Trophy

As Pakistan prepares to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the revamped design of Karachi's National Bank Stadium.

This redesign is part of a broader renovation initiative across major cricket venues in the country, with the first phase scheduled for completion before the Champions Trophy begins on February 19, 2025. The PCB has outlined a two-phase renovation plan. The initial phase, focusing on structural enhancements, aims to be completed before the tournament.

The second phase, which involves installing a roof over the entire stadium, will be finalized after the event.

The newly approved blueprint introduces significant changes, including the construction of a new building in front of the main structure. This building will house VIP boxes, a gallery, media boxes, and spaces for the players' families.

The dressing rooms may also be relocated to this new facility. Additionally, the old scoreboard building has already been demolished, along with the Iqbal Qasim and Naseem-ul-Ghani enclosures.

Due to the ongoing construction, the Pakistan-Bangladesh Test match on August 30th will take place without spectators.

The PCB has confirmed that no construction work will occur during the match, with all activities restricted to off-hours or night shifts.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is personally overseeing the renovation project, recently visited the London headquarters of BDP Pattern, the UK-based architectural firm entrusted with the project.

BDP Pattern proposed designs that have received Chairman Naqvi's approval. He highlighted that this is the first time Pakistani stadiums are being upgraded to accommodate such a large number of cricket fans.

The renovation project includes not only Karachi's National Stadium but also venues in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

The PCB allocated Rs12.80 billion for these upgrades, with a completion deadline set before the Champions Trophy. This initiative is part of a larger effort to modernize Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure ahead of the marquee event.