The anticipation is building as the National Bank Stadium in Karachi undergoes a transformative renovation to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to begin in February. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pulling out all the stops to ensure the venue is up to international standards.
Demolition and Construction
Currently, there’s a flurry of activity at the stadium, with demolition work progressing from the Naseem-ul-Ghani Enclosure to the Iqbal Qasim Enclosure. This isn’t just a simple facelift; it’s a complete overhaul.
The iconic manual scoreboard tower is being taken down to make room for a modern structure that will house state-of-the-art media boxes, seating for broadcasters, and a dedicated area for commentators.
New hospitality boxes and a media gallery will also be constructed, adding a touch of luxury and functionality to the stadium. These changes aim to improve the experience for both players and fans, creating a world-class cricket venue in the heart of Karachi.
Read More: ICC Approves Massive Budget For Champions Trophy 2025 In Pakistan
Reflecting on the 2017 Upgrades
This isn’t the first time the National Stadium has seen such significant upgrades. Back in 2017, ahead of the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) third edition, the stadium received a substantial facelift.
The seating capacity was enhanced, stands were refurbished, and comfort was improved for spectators. The dressing rooms, media boxes, and VIP enclosures were also renovated, and new floodlights were installed for better visibility during night matches.
Despite these upgrades, the 2017 renovation faced criticism for not fully addressing fan experience issues. However, with the upcoming changes, the PCB aims to rectify these shortcomings and elevate the stadium to new heights.
Read More: National Stadium Looks Amazing After Renovation For PSL 3
Balancing Construction and Cricket
While the renovations are in full swing, cricket fans won’t miss out on the action. The National Stadium will host the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh from August 30 to September 3, with construction work pausing during the match.
This decision ensures that the renovations don’t disrupt the cricket schedule, allowing fans to enjoy the game while eagerly anticipating the stadium’s new features.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is not just a Karachi affair. Three venues—Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore—will host the matches featuring eight teams.
This event marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan having won the last edition in 2017 by defeating India in the final.
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