
WATCH: National Stadium Karachi set for grand inauguration tomorrow
Listen to article
The newly-renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi will be inaugurated tomorrow evening with a vibrant ceremony, including fireworks and a light show.
President Asif Ali Zardari will serve as the chief guest at the upcoming event, with free entry for the public.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the stadium's reconstruction, which began on September 28, 2024, was completed on January 31, 2025. The renovation involved the complete demolition and rebuilding of the pavilion building, along with the installation of new seats in all enclosures.
Famous singers Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali, and Sahir Ali Bagga will mesmerise the audience with their performances. A spectacular fireworks and light show will follow, and the public will be allowed free entry.
The pavilion building was completely demolished and rebuilt, while new seats have been installed in every enclosure.
Naqvi added that new LED lights, modern scoreboard screens, and grills have been installed.
Additionally, barriers have been removed to provide better views for the cricket fans. All hospitality boxes have been renovated, and a new colour-coded road and pedestrian bridge have been constructed.
Chairman Naqvi praised the hard work of the labourers who contributed to the renovation of the stadium. He acknowledged the efforts of the FWO, NESPAK, contractors, and the PCB team for their dedication to the project.
Naqvi concluded by stating that world-class facilities have been added for both the players and the spectators, ensuring the best experience for the teams during the Champions Trophy.
Few days ago, in a significant moment just days before the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially
inaugurated
the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, marking a new era in the iconic venue's 65-year history.
The evening featured performances by renowned singers Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar, and Aima Baig, followed by a spectacular drum performance and a dazzling fireworks display. A stunning light show will further elevate the grandeur of the event.
During his speech, PM Shehbaz expressed immense joy over the successful and remarkable completion of the renovation of Gaddafi Stadium while acknowledging the efforts of the entire team involved, including the contractors and workers, under the supervision of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who made this possible.
He also credited Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for providing invaluable support in the renovation process, thanking both him and the Punjab government for their contributions.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Express Tribune
India still uncertain for Asia Cup
India's participation in the upcoming Asia Cup remains unresolved but the inclusion of both India and Pakistan in the same group for the Women's World Cup has raised hopes within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Although the Asia Cup is scheduled for this year, tensions between Pakistan and India have cast doubt over the event. In the 2023 edition, matches involving India were held in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. Now, both nations have again agreed not to play on each other's home soil and instead opt for a neutral venue, a practice that began with this year's Champions Trophy. While this year's edition of the Asia Cup is set to be hosted by India, it is expected to be played in the UAE from September 12 to 28. However, India has yet to confirm its participation to the ACC. Last year, Sony Pictures Network India secured media rights for all ACC tournaments from 2024 to 2031 in a deal worth $170 million. This includes all editions of the Men's and Women's Asia Cup, the U-19 Asia Cups, and Emerging tournaments. Rumors of a potential Indian boycott of the tournament had surfaced recently but were dismissed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Still, in the latest Asia Cup promo released by Sony, only the captains of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh were featured — Pakistan's captain was noticeably absent. Sources say that the ICC recently grouped Pakistan and India together in the Women's World Cup, and there was no opposition to this move. This has strengthened the perception that India is likely to participate in the Asia Cup as well. However, if India decides to forfeit a match against Pakistan, the PCB could reciprocate in future events. Such a scenario would be complex, as replacing the Indian team in the tournament is not seen as viable due to broadcasting and financial implications. It's worth noting that the current ACC Chairman is PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi. Also, the Women's Emerging Asia Cup, which was set to begin in Sri Lanka on June 6, was postponed due to weather concerns.


Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Pak to play three T20Is against BD
Pakistan and Bangladesh will lock horns in Dhaka. Photo: AFP/File Pakistan men's team will travel to Bangladesh next month to take part in a three-match bilateral T20I series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed today. Pakistan will arrive in Dhaka on 16 July before taking on the home side in the first T20I on Sunday, 20 July. The second T20I will take place on Tuesday, 22 July, with the third and final match of the series scheduled for Thursday, 24 July. All three T20Is will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, with the first ball of each match scheduled to be bowled at 6pm local time. The two sides last met in a three-match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium recently, where the home side completed a clean sweep over the visitors. Series schedule: 16 July – Pakistan men's team arrival 20 July – First T20I 22 July – Second T20I 24 July – Third T20I Pak A tour of Aus The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Australia (CA) are mulling over to organise series between their A teams, U19, and women's teams, local media reported on Wednesday. According to reports, the CA renewed confidence in Pakistan has significantly improved the chances of launching future pathway series, as both sides discuss to gather momentum. PCB's high-performance centre has identified Australia among its key targets for bilateral cooperation aimed at the development of cricket. Talks are currently underway regarding A team, U19 and women's team tours between the two nations. The improved relationship between the PCB and Cricket Australia has already yielded positive results. A notable example is the increased participation of Pakistani players in the Big Bash League (BBL) this season. In contrast to previous yearswhen players often faced delays in receiving No Objection Certificates (NOCs)this year, NOCs were issued before the draft, allowing players to participate without last-minute hurdles. In addition to team tours, the PCB is also interested in launching academy exchange programs to further develop young talent. PCB's Director of High Performance, Aqib Javed exploring opportunities for player exposure not just in Australia and England, but also in other cricketing nations. He believed that strong international ties are essential to send more Pakistani players abroad for experience and growth. With mutual trust being rebuilt, more Australian players are expected to be available for future editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Further strengthening ties, Cricket Australia's CEO recently confirmed Australia's tour of Pakistan next year, reinforcing the commitment to bilateral cricketing relations. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan cricket will resume action after a brief break with a tour of Bangladesh at the end of July, where they are scheduled to play a T20I series - although the schedule has not yet been officially released. Following the Bangladesh tour, the Green Shirts will head to the West Indies, where a limited-overs series comprising three T20Is and three ODIs will begin from August one. Saud slips in rankings The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday unveiled the latest Test player rankings, with England's Joe Root holding firm at the top of the batting chart. Root's consistent performances have solidified his Number one position among the world's elite Test batters. Pakistan's Saud Shakeel, however, experienced a minor setback, slipping two spots to 10th place. He remained the only Pakistani batter within the top 10 but now stands at risk of falling out of the elite group. Meanwhile, fellow Pakistani Mohammad Rizwan retained his 16th position. In other notable movements, England's Harry Brook climbed to the second spot, continuing his impressive rise in international cricket. India's young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal moved up to fourth, further cementing his place among the top Test batters. Rishabh Pant's remarkable double-century performance during the Headingley Test against England propelled him up one spot to seventh. England's Ben Duckett also made a significant gain, jumping five places to eighth following his valuable contribution to England's recent Test win. In the bowling department, Pakistan's left-arm spinner Nauman Ali retained his fourth-place ranking, remaining the country's lone representative in the top 10.


Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan to play T20I series in Bangladesh next month
LAHORE: The Pakistan men's team will travel to Bangladesh next month to play three Twenty20 internationals as part of the build-up to next year's World Cup. Pakistan's tour will be a reciprocal one after they hosted Bangladesh for three T20Is in May-June this year, all won by the home team and played in Lahore. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it has arranged various series to build for the World Cup to be co-hosted in India and Sri Lanka next year. 'Pakistan will arrive in Dhaka on 16 July before taking on the home side in the matches on July 20, 22 and 24 as part of the build-up for the World Cup,' the PCB said in a statement. Babar Azam likely to make BBL debut with Sydney Sixers All three T20Is will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National cricket stadium in Dhaka. From Bangladesh, Pakistan team will fly to the West Indies to play three T20Is and as many one-day internationals the schedule of which will be announced later. Series schedule in Bangladesh 16 July - Pakistan men's team arrival 20 July - First T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka 22 July - Second T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka 24 July - Third T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka