A week after the grand reopening of Lahore’s renovated Gaddafi Stadium, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah officially inaugurated the refurbished National Cricket Stadium in Karachi on Tuesday.
The event was attended by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and several other dignitaries. The stadium, also known as the National Bank Cricket Arena, has been upgraded in preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Festive Celebrations Mark the Grand Opening
The stadium’s inauguration was celebrated with a blend of music and entertainment, with legendary Test cricketers from Karachi invited to be part of the event. Reports indicate that two enclosures will be named after cricket icons Shahid Afridi and Younis Khan, honoring their contributions to Pakistan cricket.
Renowned singer Ali Zafar, who previously performed at Lahore’s inauguration, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Karachi event on February 11. The celebrations will feature free entry for spectators carrying valid ID cards. Performances by Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali, and Sahir Ali Bagga will headline the evening, followed by a fireworks display and a spectacular light show.
Pakistan Prepares to Host Champions Trophy 2025
As Pakistan gears up to host the Champions Trophy 2025, the tournament is set to project a positive image of the country on the global stage.
The competition will take place from February 19 to March 9, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finalizing squad adjustments by February 11. The opening match, featuring Pakistan and New Zealand, is scheduled for February 19 at Karachi’s National Stadium.
One of the most eagerly awaited clashes, Pakistan vs. India, will be played under a ‘fusion model’ in the UAE on February 23 (Sunday). Meanwhile, Karachi police have announced a traffic plan to ensure smooth movement during the matches.
Gaddafi Stadium’s Major Renovation in Lahore
Another key venue, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, was officially reopened on February 7 following a record-breaking 117-day renovation. The inauguration was led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who praised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership, dubbing it an era of “Mohsin Speed” due to the rapid completion of the project.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister motivated the Pakistani cricket team, urging them to defeat India and bring joy to cricket fans across the nation.
Honoring the Workforce Behind the Renovation
Recognizing the hard work and dedication of the laborers involved in the stadium’s renovation, Mohsin Naqvi personally met with the workers and hosted a special luncheon for over 1,500 individuals who contributed to the project. Many of these workers had spent months away from their families to ensure the timely completion of the upgrades.
The workers celebrated the occasion, taking photos and selfies with the PCB chairman, who expressed his gratitude for their relentless efforts in transforming the stadium ahead of the major international cricket tournament.
