 "Champions Trophy 2025: PCB inaugurates Karachi's National Stadium eight days before tournament opener")
After Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) inaugurated a renovated National Stadium in Karachi on Tuesday, eight days before the venue hosts the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy. Besides hosting the opening Champions Trophy match between Pakistan and New Zealand , Karachi will also host games in the ongoing triangular ODI series involving these two teams and South Africa.
Leading Pakistani singers Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali and Sahir Ali Bagga performed at the stadium’s inauguration that also had a light show along with fireworks. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah were present at the event and jointly inaugurated the new-look venue.
The upcoming match between Pakistan and South Africa on Wednesday, which will decide New Zealand’s opponent for the final of the ODI tri-series, will be the first international match at National Stadium since May 2023. NSK will also host the tri-series final on Friday.
The Gaddafi Stadium had hosted the first two matches of the series, in which New Zealand defeated Pakistan and South Africa by 78 runs and 6 wickets respectively, at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The iconic venue, which had hosted the final of the 1996 Wills World Cup and could host the final of the Champions Trophy, had also witnessed a special ceremony before the Pakistan-New Zealand clash on Saturday.
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PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the efforts of those involved in the renovation of the venue including labourers, technicians, engineers, etc. adding that it was due to their persistance that the venue was complete before the mega-event.
After undergoing renovation for the last four months, the National Stadium now has a brand new pavilion at the University Road End, which houses dressing rooms as well as dedicated areas for broadcasters and match officials as well as hospitality boxes. Also added to the venue are LED lights, two screens and upgraded facilities for spectators.
The stadium, which was under renovation for the last four months, has a brand new state-of-the-art building at the far end of the historical venue. Besides, new LED lights, two screens and better facilities for spectators have also been put in place.
Also Read | ICC makes exception for PCB, extends deadline for handover of venues ahead of Champions Trophy
The ICC, however, has reportedly criticised the PCB over the placement of the giant LED screens , which will hinder the view of fans seated directly behind it. According to RevSportz, the Dubai-based global governing body for the sport has not only reprimaned the PCB, they have also asked the Naqvi-led board to be ready to reimburse fans facing issues due to the screen during the tournament.
NSK project manager Mohsin Chohan added that the screens will be relocated after the Champions Trophy.
The PCB has also reportedly overrun its budget of PKR 4 billion for renovating the National Stadium, with some work set to be completed after the tournament.
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