PCB to take control of Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, sets for upgrade

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been urged by its Board of Governors (BoG) to assume full control of Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium.

During the 74th BoG meeting, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, PCB officials requested upgrades to the stadium to meet international standards.

Meanwhile, the BoG was updated on the Champions One-Day Cup, which kicked off at the Iqbal Stadium with a match between Markhors and Panthers.

The BoG commended Naqvi’s efforts in securing partnerships with prominent organizations for the tournament, featuring top Pakistani cricketers.

Additionally, the BoG proposed incorporating the Champions Cup, encompassing T20 and four-day formats, into the PCB Constitution 2014, ensuring its annual occurrence and providing a clear structure for Pakistan’s domestic cricket development.

In another development, Pakistan is undergoing a major stadium renovation project to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, its first major ICC event in years.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allocated a substantial 12.8 billion rupees to upgrade key stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi to international standards.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will receive the largest investment, with 7.7 billion rupees earmarked for a new steel-structured pavilion, enhanced seating, modern LED digital screens, and state-of-the-art floodlights.

Additionally, Karachi’s National Bank Stadium will undergo a significant transformation with 3.5 billion rupees allocated for improvements, including a steel pavilion, upgraded hospitality boxes, and new LED lighting systems.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Stadium will also receive 1.5 billion rupees for upgrades, focusing on improved seating, new floodlights, and modernized facilities.

These investments demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to delivering a successful tournament and enhancing its global cricketing reputation.