National Bank Stadium upgradation nears completion ahead of Champions Trophy

KARACHI: The renovation work of the National Bank Stadium has reached its final stages, with officials pledging to complete the work by January 31 for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

This marks the third time the deadline has been extended, but authorities remain confident that the stadium will be ready to host three crucial matches of the Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19.

General Manager of the National Stadium, Arshad Khan, and Project Director Muhammad Bilal Chauhan provided a detailed update during a media briefing, assuring that the stadium’s transformation is progressing at full pace.

Construction work began on October 22 and has been carried out in three shifts to meet the tight schedule.

The renovation includes a five-story building equipped with modern facilities, including ICC Anti-Corruption and Anti-Doping units, physio rooms, and match officials’ rooms on the ground floor.

Dressing rooms on the second floor are almost complete, while 24 hospitality boxes across the third and fourth floors, accommodating up to 1,000 spectators, are nearing readiness. The Chairman’s Box and Admin Block on the fifth floor are also in the final stages.

Technological upgrades are also a major highlight of the renovation. Two new digital scoreboards are being installed, with the primary screen measuring 80×30 feet.

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Modern LED floodlights, similar to those used in Australian and South African stadiums, are being set up on six poles, promising a world-class viewing experience.

Spectators can also look forward to enhanced seating, with comfortable chairs being installed, some of which have been relocated from Gaddafi Stadium.

VIP pavilions surrounding the new building will provide exclusive seating arrangements, and a state-of-the-art pathway is being constructed to ensure seamless entry for players from the central building to the field.

To improve accessibility, a pedestrian bridge is being built, connecting the National Coaching Centre to the stadium, allowing fans to park their vehicles at China Ground and enter the venue with ease.

The parking facility can accommodate up to 2,700 vehicles, pending ICC approval.

Security measures are also being bolstered with the installation of a 10-foot spiked iron fence around the ground. However, plans for a surrounding trench have been postponed.

The renovation work of the National Bank Stadium has had an impact on domestic matches, with the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final being moved to UBL Ground and the first Test against the West Indies relocated to Multan due to ongoing construction.

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