The PCB has revealed the official design of the revamped National Stadium Karachi, launching a Rs4 billion upgrade alongside new stadium plans in Islamabad and major venue overhauls nationwide.
New Karachi Stadium Design Brings World-Class Look and Facilities
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled the latest design model for the revamped National Stadium Karachi, signalling the start of a major modernisation drive backed by a Rs4 billion development plan. The project aims to transform the historic venue into a world-class cricket stadium that meets modern international standards and offers a far better match-day experience for fans, broadcasters and players. Concept images released by the board show a bold new look for the stadium, with an emphasis on comfort, accessibility and upgraded facilities. Officials say the redesign will help Karachi retain its status as one of Pakistan’s premier cricket centres, while also making the venue more attractive for ICC events and high-profile series.
NESPAK to Lead Construction of State-of-the-Art Enclosure
As part of the redevelopment, the PCB has signed a contract with National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt) Limited (NESPAK) for the construction of a new state-of-the-art enclosure at the stadium. NESPAK, one of the country’s leading engineering and design firms, will be responsible for delivering the upgraded structure in line with international cricketing standards. The new enclosure will feature modern seating arrangements with improved sightlines, ensuring that spectators have clearer and more comfortable views of the action. Dedicated VIP boxes will cater to corporate and premium guests, while upgraded media areas will support local and international broadcasters with better camera positions, commentary boxes and technical infrastructure. Enhanced entry and exit routes are also planned to improve crowd management and make it easier for fans to move in and out of the venue on busy match days.
Second Phase of Karachi Renovation to Follow PSL 11 in 2026
The PCB’s Board of Governors has already approved a second phase of renovation at National Bank Stadium Karachi, which is expected to begin after the conclusion of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11). This phased approach is designed to minimise disruption to domestic and international fixtures while still pushing ahead with long-needed upgrades. While the first phase focuses on a new enclosure and key structural improvements, the follow-up work is likely to address further seating enhancements, concourse improvements, fan facilities and possibly additional hospitality or media spaces. Together, the two phases are intended to give Karachi a stadium that can compete with some of the top cricket venues in the region, supporting both Pakistan’s home international calendar and major T20 leagues.
Oval-Style Upgrade for Lahore LCCA Ground and New Islamabad Stadium
The Karachi project is part of a wider national infrastructure push by the PCB. Alongside the work at National Bank Stadium, the Board of Governors has also cleared an Oval-style redevelopment plan for Lahore’s LCCA Ground. The redesign is expected to give the historic ground a more modern, intimate feel, creating a strong option for high-quality domestic matches and select international fixtures. At the same time, the PCB has moved ahead with plans for a brand-new international standard stadium in Islamabad, with land allocated near D-12 on the edge of the capital. The Islamabad venue will feature a design inspired by top stadiums in the United Arab Emirates, with a focus on modern architecture, fan comfort and broadcast-friendly layouts. Once completed, it will add a major new option for hosting international cricket in the northern region.
Abbottabad and Muzaffarabad Also Set for Long-Overdue Upgrades
In a significant shift from past practice, the PCB is also prioritising venue upgrades beyond the traditional big-city centres. Abbottabad and Muzaffarabad grounds have been identified for major improvements for the first time, as part of a strategy to spread high-quality cricket infrastructure more evenly across the country. Upgrading these venues will not only give local fans better access to top-level domestic cricket, but also create new options for training camps, A-team tours and age-group competitions in cooler and scenic locations. Officials believe that developing a more balanced national venue map—rather than relying heavily on Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi—will strengthen Pakistan’s overall cricket ecosystem. By investing simultaneously in flagship stadiums like Karachi and Islamabad and in emerging centres such as Abbottabad and Muzaffarabad, the PCB hopes to build a sustainable, countrywide infrastructure base capable of supporting the game for decades to come.
