The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allocated 12.8 billion rupees for the renovation of key stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy next year. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced this significant investment during a Board of Governors meeting held in Faisalabad, ensuring that all three venues will be ready to host the prestigious event.
A substantial portion of the budget, amounting to 7.7 billion rupees, is being dedicated to upgrading the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This allocation covers various aspects of the renovation. For instance, 1,100 million rupees will be used for constructing a steel-structured pavilion, while 3,471 million rupees will fund a new concrete office building. Additionally, 1,250 million rupees are earmarked for the steel structure of the enclosure.
Further details reveal that 189 million rupees will be spent on building a moat around the stadium, and 330 million rupees will be allocated for replacing two LED digital screens. The renovation also includes replacing existing floodlights with 480 new LED lights at a cost of 523 million rupees. Moreover, 375 million rupees will be used for installing new seating, and 93 million rupees are designated for external development works.
The PCB has also allocated 3.5 billion rupees for renovating the National Stadium in Karachi. This budget includes 1,500 million rupees for the steel structure of the pavilion building, 580 million rupees for renovating the main building and hospitality boxes, and 330 million rupees for two new LED digital screens. Additionally, 490 million rupees will be spent on replacing floodlights with 450 LED lights, and 340 million rupees will go towards new seat installations.
Renovation work at Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi is estimated to cost 1.5 billion rupees. This budget includes 393 million rupees for replacing floodlights with 350 LED lights, 400 million rupees for renovating the main building, hospitality boxes, and restrooms, and 330 million rupees for new LED digital screens. Furthermore, 272 million rupees will be allocated for installing new seating.
Overall, these extensive renovations across the three stadiums are set to enhance facilities and ensure they meet the standards required for hosting international cricket events.
