The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to upgrade Karachi’s National Stadium for the 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled between February and March next year.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, elected unopposed, announced earlier plans to upgrade stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with work already underway.
Following his dissatisfaction with the viewer experience at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 final in Karachi, Naqvi pledged to elevate the stadium’s standards.
Maps outlining proposed changes will be prepared, with approval sought during a Governing Board meeting chaired by Naqvi on July 6. Construction will commence post-approval, focusing on refurbishing the main building without demolition.
Enhancements include relocating the media center, installing a new digital scoreboard, and improving hospitality boxes and dressing rooms to modern standards. The stadium’s capacity of 32,000 spectators will remain unchanged.
The ICC has received the schedule for next year’s Champions Trophy for final approval. Matches are set for Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi from February 19 to March 9, with Lahore hosting seven matches, including the final. Karachi’s National Stadium will host the opening match and a semi-final, totaling three matches. Rawalpindi will host five matches, including a semi-final.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy marks the event’s return after an eight-year hiatus, last held in 2017 when Pakistan defeated India in the final. Confirmed teams include Pakistan (hosts), India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh.
