 has successfully sold the naming rights of Gaddafi Stadium to the Bank of Punjab for a whopping Rs1 billion.){kind=link}
Big changes are coming to one of Pakistan’s most iconic cricket venues, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. In a landmark deal, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has successfully sold the naming rights of the stadium to the Bank of Punjab for a whopping Rs1 billion.
This five-year agreement isn’t just about a name change; it signals a significant shift in how Pakistan is monetizing its cricketing assets.
A Record-Breaking Deal
This deal is more than just a number. For context, the PCB had previously secured Rs450 million for the naming rights of National Stadium Karachi, now known as National Bank Cricket Arena. That deal, signed during Ramiz Raja’s tenure, seemed substantial at the time.
However, under the new administration led by Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB has more than doubled that figure, securing a five-year deal for Gaddafi Stadium worth Rs1 billion. It’s clear that the PCB is raising the bar when it comes to leveraging its assets.
This move isn’t just about the money—though that certainly helps. The PCB is in the midst of preparing for the Champions Trophy, and billions are being invested in upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
With these extensive renovations underway, the PCB is wisely looking to offset some of these costs through strategic agreements like this naming rights deal.
Read More: PCB Chief Acknowledges Lack Of International-Grade Stadiums
The name “Gaddafi Stadium” will soon be a part of history, as the venue adopts a new name reflecting its corporate sponsor, just like National Stadium Karachi did. While some fans might feel nostalgic about the old name, this change represents a growing trend in global sports.
Naming sports venues after sponsors is common practice, with cricket grounds in Australia and England leading the way. It’s a smart move that significantly boosts revenue streams.
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