Pakistan to Add More Cricket Stadiums Soon

Pakistan Cricket Board’s Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has disclosed that PCB is in talks to add more cricket stadiums to its inventory soon. He made the comments while addressing the journalists during another visit to Gaddafi Stadium.

“We are currently in talks with the provincial government to acquire 4-5 stadiums. As soon as they hand them over to us, we will renovate and host matches.” Naqvi said.

Pakistan only counts Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena, and the Multan Stadium as the only suitable venues to host international matches underscoring the need for more cricketing arenas.

Peshawar’s Araba Niaz Stadium and Quetta’s Nawab Akbar Bugti Stadium are also viable options but need some hefty renovations before they can deemed worthy of hosting international games.

This is not the first time that Pakistan cricket’s chairman has promised to establish more cricket stadiums in the country but they have largely gone unfulfilled.

The upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan also underlines the need for new venues as only three have been shortlisted to hold the competition depriving hundreds of thousands of fans of visiting the stadiums in their native provinces. 

Karachi and Lahore stadiums are undergoing renovations to bring them up to international standards ahead of the competition but the need for more arenas is patent.

Better grounds and facilities will not only enhance the fans’ experience but will also help players develop better which should only aid Pakistan cricket more in the future.