KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday opened the newly renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi, ahead of the 50-over Champions Trophy tournament.
The facility features world-class dressing rooms for players and match officials, complemented by high-quality hospitality rooms, according to the PCB.
In addition to the new pavilion, 350 LED lights and two digital replay screens have been installed at the stadium to improve broadcast quality, besides the addition of over 5,000 new chairs to enhance spectator comfort.
The eight-team Champions Trophy will be staged from February 19 to March 9 in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, although arch-rival India’s matches will be staged in the United Arab Emirates after they refused to play in Pakistan.
“This upgrade is a testament to our vision of elevating Pakistan’s cricketing venues to international standards,” PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement.
“The National Bank Stadium, which last saw a major overhaul during the 1996 World Cup, now stands as a modern, world-class facility that will not only host domestic and international matches but also provide players and fans with a top-tier experience.”
Pakistan last held a major tournament in 1996, when it co-hosted the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, before a forced hiatus over security concerns.
Nearly 5,000 dedicated workers contributed tirelessly to transforming the Karachi stadium, ensuring its full operational readiness for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Naqvi said the “incredible” workforce behind the stadium’s transformation deserved immense appreciation.
“Their hard work has made it possible for us to proudly present the National Bank Stadium as a world-class venue, ready to welcome top cricketing action,” he added.
Last week, Pakistan also opened the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after a 117-day renovation work, during which LED floodlights, larger score screens, new hospitality boxes and upgraded seating were installed.
Pakistan inaugurates newly renovated Karachi stadium ahead of Champions Trophy
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Pakistan inaugurates newly renovated Karachi stadium ahead of Champions Trophy
- In addition to new pavilion, 350 LED lights, two digital replay screens and over 5,000 new chairs have been installed at the stadium
- Champions Trophy will be staged from Feb. 19 to Mar. 9 in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, while India will play their matches in the UAE
Pakistan sends 7.5 tons of additional relief supplies to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah devastation
- Pakistan dispatches tents, tarpaulins, powdered milk aboard commercial flight from Lahore
- Pakistan Army, Navy and rescue teams are already operating in Sri Lankan disaster-hit zones
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday dispatched an additional 7.5 tons of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka following widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in a statement.
More than two million people, nearly 10 percent of the population, have been affected by last week’s climate crisis-spurred floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, the worst on the island this century. Over 618 people have been killed.
Sri Lanka has issued a formal international appeal for emergency assistance, with Islamabad stepping up support on the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Monday’s relief consignment, including tents, tarpaulins and powdered milk, was flown to Colombo from Lahore on a commercial aircraft.
“NDMA has coordinated with airlines to ensure that all available cargo space on commercial flights is fully utilized for the rapid transport of relief items,” the disaster agency said. “This mechanism will continue in the coming days to dispatch further assistance as required.”
Pakistan has been supporting relief operations since the onset of the disaster. A Pakistan Army search-and-rescue team is currently operating in affected regions, backed by Pakistan Navy ships and helicopters assisting local authorities with evacuations and life-saving missions.
NDMA said Pakistan “stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka in this difficult hour and will continue to extend all possible assistance to support ongoing rescue and relief efforts.”
The International Monetary Fund said on Friday Sri Lanka had requested financial assistance of about $200 million to address the destruction caused by the cyclone.
