The General Manager of the National Stadium Karachi (NSK) stated that the renovation and upgrade work for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has entered the final phase, ensuring the ground will be functional by January 31, 2025.
In a recent media talk, the General Manager of the National Stadium, Arshad Khan, and the Project Manager Mohammad Bilal Chohan, assured the media that the construction work would be completed on time for the event.
The renovation project, which began on October 22 following approval from the PCB’s governing board under Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership, had an initial completion deadline of December 15 which was later extended to December 31 and then to January 25.
However, it is now confirmed that all finishing work will be completed by January 31 for the mega event, following the assurance from the officials.
The renovation includes significant upgrades to the stadium’s infrastructure.
The five-story building is nearly complete, with ground floor facilities including an ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, Anti-Doping Unit, physiotherapy rooms, and match officials’ rooms.
The construction of two dressing rooms on the second floor is in its final stages.
The third and fourth floors are also nearly finished, featuring 24 hospitality boxes that can accommodate up to 1,000 people. The fifth floor will house chairman boxes and an administration block, all on track for completion by the end of the month.
In addition, a new guest access corridor and a modern player entry and exit route, similar to those found in international stadiums, are being constructed. VIP pavilions are being added around the new building, and teams will enter through gate number 11. Each floor will have its own entrance and state-of-the-art lifts are being installed for convenience.
The stadium is also being fitted with modern LED lighting, similar to those used in stadiums in Australia, England, and South Africa. The installation will include 360 lights, costing approximately Rs1.2 million each, on six poles with a total estimated cost of Rs430 million.
Two additional floodlight poles for practice sessions at the Oval Ground outside the main stadium are also part of the project.
Three 3D logos are being added to enhance the visual appeal of the stadium, and the parking area, which accommodates 2,700 vehicles, is ready.
However, it still requires ICC approval for use. Due to ongoing construction, the stadium’s seating capacity has temporarily reduced from 32,000 to 28,000, though an additional 2,000 spectators can be accommodated in the pavilion.
With a total cost of Rs3.5 billion, the renovation project prioritizes safety and security. All relevant stakeholders have been consulted to ensure smooth match operations in Karachi.
The stadium is expected to be ready in time to host three Champions Trophy matches as per the ICC schedule.
Because of the ongoing work, the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, originally scheduled to be held at the National Stadium, has been moved to UBL Ground.
Additionally, the first Test match against the West Indies, initially planned for January 17–21, has been shifted to Multan.
The ICC Champions Trophy will kick off with the opening ceremony at the National Stadium on February 19, followed by the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The second match, between Afghanistan and South Africa, is scheduled for February 21, and the third match, between England and South Africa, will take place on March 1.
