Karachi Stadium to Be Rebuilt After PSL 11, Naqvi Sets Bold Vision

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has laid out a clear roadmap for Karachi’s cricket future, placing the city at the centre of a major infrastructure push once the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League concludes.

Speaking at the PSL Roadshow in New York, Naqvi said the National Bank Stadium would undergo a complete rebuild, with the aim of delivering a venue that sets a new domestic benchmark. His remarks came during an exchange with former captain Wasim Akram, who raised questions about Karachi’s long-awaited upgrades.

Karachi Stadium Set for Full Rebuild

Naqvi revealed that parts of the stadium have already seen partial construction, but the board has decided against piecemeal fixes. Instead, demolition will follow the end of PSL 11, clearing the way for a fresh design.

According to the PCB chief, the rebuilt Karachi venue is intended to surpass Lahore’s stadium in quality and facilities. The plan focuses on modern spectator areas, improved player spaces, and infrastructure suited to international events. While no completion date was shared, Naqvi stressed that the rebuild would move swiftly once league commitments are over.

Expansion Beyond Karachi

Mohsin Naqvi said construction work at Muzaffarabad’s ground is already underway after the PCB assumed control of the project. The aim is to have the venue match-ready before the PSL, though he conceded the schedule could extend further into the year if needed.

The move underlines the board’s effort to take elite cricket facilities beyond the usual hubs. By widening the map, the PCB hopes more regions can host competitive fixtures and serve as bases for training camps.

Academy Project Takes Shape

Naqvi also unveiled plans for a high-end cricket academy, calling it a long-term bet on Pakistan’s future talent. Backed by substantial investment, the centre is set to include modern pitches, advanced training equipment, and support services that mirror international setups.

Naqvi added that tangible progress on the academy should be visible within three to four months, with the project designed to shape players for all formats of the game.

These developments come at a defining phase for the Pakistan Super League. Introduced in 2016 with five teams and expanded to six two years later, the competition is now gearing up for its first major overhaul in seven years. From the 11th edition, two new franchises will join, lifting the total to eight.

With expansion on the field and construction plans off it, the PCB appears intent on reshaping both the league and the landscape it plays in. For Karachi, the message was direct: change is coming, and it starts once PSL 11 lights go out.