National Stadium Karachi ready to host ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Karachi's National Stadium is fully prepared to host the ICC Champions Trophy, with the five-story building now completed. The installation of digital screens and LED lights has also been finalized. The ICC has deemed the stadium suitable for the mega event. A grand opening ceremony for the revamped stadium is scheduled for February 11.  

Project Director Bilal Chauhan shared these updates during a media briefing, stating that the first phase of upgradation and renovation has been completed as per the approved design from an international firm. He emphasized that after the 1996 World Cup, the PCB has been striving to host another major event featuring eight teams.  

The installation of modern LED lights is finished, and a 22x23 ft small digital screen from Shanghai, China, has been placed in front of the Intikhab Alam Enclosure. Additionally, an 80x30 ft large digital screen has been installed in front of the Wasim Akram Enclosure under the supervision of American experts.  

With the support of the Sindh government, construction of a pedestrian bridge in front of the PSB Coaching Center on Sir Shah Suleman Road is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed within days.  

In the first phase of the Rs. 3.5 billion project, the ground floor of the new building now houses rooms for ICC's anti-corruption and anti-doping officials, physiotherapists, and match officials. The first floor features newly constructed dressing rooms and dining halls, while the third and fourth floors contain 24 modern hospitality boxes. The fourth floor is still under development, with work ongoing on the chairman's box and admin block. Four high-tech elevators have been installed in the building, and a special gallery has been prepared for VIPs and patrons in the ground floor area.  

Seats are being installed in the Intikhab Alam Enclosure, which previously had only stair seating for spectators. The ICC has granted approval for parking, which will now accommodate 2,200 cars instead of the initially planned 2,700. To enhance spectator facilities, 75 new restrooms have been constructed. The old dressing rooms have been converted into platinum boxes, while the stadium's roof will be thoroughly cleaned.  

The decision on the second and third phases of the stadium's renovation will be made by the PCB. The project was initiated on October 22, 2024, under the leadership of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and was completed ahead of the 90-day deadline, with only finishing touches remaining. A modern pathway, similar to international stadiums, has been created for players to enter and exit the field. VIP pavilions are also being built around the new building, ensuring secure access routes for both teams. Each floor will have separate entry points, and heavy-duty steel camera stands have been set up.  

Additionally, floodlight poles are being installed at the Oval Ground for practice sessions, and three 3D logos featuring advanced technology will be placed around the venue. Due to renovation work, the seating capacity of the stadium has been reduced from 32,000 to 28,000, but an additional 1,200 seats have been arranged in the pavilion area.  

As a gesture of appreciation, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will invite the workers involved in the stadium’s renovation to watch a cricket match and enjoy a special lunch.  

A five-member ICC delegation had previously conducted a detailed review of the ongoing renovation work. In preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, the PCB allocated a total of Rs. 12.8 billion for mega projects at three venues: Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Additionally, the ICC approved a budget of $70 million for hosting the Champions Trophy.