Ahead of the inauguration of the newly-renovated National Bank Stadium, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday congratulated everyone on the successful upgradation of Karachi and Lahore stadiums in a record time in response to propaganda on social media ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
“We win, you lose,” said Naqvi, hitting back at social media trolls claiming that the PCB would not be able to complete the revamp of the stadiums before the much-awaited Champions Trophy event in the country.
“This is for those who claimed on social media that we could not complete the construction of this stadium. If we failed to complete this, you would have won and we were unsuccessful. However, by completing this [upgradation] project, we won and you lose now.”
He was addressing a reception in honour of labourers who participated in the renovation work at the Karachi stadium.
The PCB chief also thanked journalists who frequently visited the stadium during the renovation work and dispelled the negative propaganda against the cricket board.
He thanked contractors and labourers for working tirelessly to timely complete the work in a record time of less than four months. “I admit here that Karachi stadium would look more good than Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium.”
Naqvi said that labourers were real heroes for this achievement who worked 16 to 18 hours a day without getting a single leave.
During the event, the PCB chief expressed full confidence in the national team and selectors. He also appealed to the nation not to get disappointed with the team after some defeats.
He asked Karachiites to join the celebrations today at the inauguration ceremony of the modernised stadium with world-class facilities.
Pakistan has successfully completed renovation of Karachi and Lahore cricket stadiums before hosting the international matches of the Tri-Nation Series and the Champions Trophy.
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium had hosted two matches of the Tri-Nation Series while Karachi stadium is going to host the first match of the tournament tomorrow after its upgradation.
During the event, the PCB chief expressed full confidence in the national team and selectors. He also appealed to the nation not to get disappointed with the team after some defeats.
He asked Karachiites to join the celebrations today at the inauguration ceremony of the modernised stadium with world-class facilities.
The newly-renovated National Bank Stadium of Karachi is set to be inaugurated today in a spectacular event in the run-up to the venue hosting the ongoing Tri-Nation Series and the much-awaited ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
The stadium now features world-class facilities for players and spectators.
The inauguration ceremony of the port city’s cricket stadium will feature fireworks, a dazzling light show, and live performances by renowned singers Ali Zafar, Sahir Ali Bagga and Shafqat Amanat Ali.
A new pavilion – the University Road End – was also officially opened. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that the “state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in the stadium’s history, reinforcing PCB’s commitment to enhancing cricket infrastructure in Pakistan”.
The newly constructed pavilion features world-class dressing rooms for players and match officials, complemented by high-quality hospitality rooms.
“Developed in a record time of around four months, the facility underscores the dedication and efficiency behind the stadium’s rapid transformation,” the board said in an official statement.
In addition to the new pavilion, several major upgrades have been completed at the National Bank Stadium to enhance both the playing and viewing experience.
These include the installation of 350 LED lights to improve broadcast quality, the fixing of two digital replay screens and the addition of over 5,000 new chairs to enhance spectator comfort.
