Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah officially inaugurated the newly renovated National Bank Stadium on Tuesday in a grand ceremony ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The event, marked by music, fireworks, and celebrations, was attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and other dignitaries. While President Asif Ali Zardari was initially expected to inaugurate the stadium, CM Murad represented him at the ceremony and commended the PCB for completing the renovations in record time.
Sindh Government’s Commitment to Sports
Addressing the gathering, CM Murad reaffirmed his government’s dedication to promoting sports, saying:
“The Sindh government is committed to providing top-notch facilities for sports activities in Karachi.”
He recalled past efforts to upgrade the stadium, particularly for Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in 2018, and stressed that Karachi’s love for cricket would continue to be supported at all levels.
“We will leave no stone unturned in reviving sports activities in Karachi,” he vowed.
Champions Trophy Preparations & Upcoming Matches
Expressing optimism for Pakistan’s performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy, the CM stated:
“We hope our Shaheens deliver an outstanding performance. Winning and losing are part of the game, but we should always play with a fighting spirit.”
The National Bank Stadium will host three matches of the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Karachi will witness action before the tournament as the Pakistan vs. South Africa fixture in the ongoing tri-nation series is set to be played at the stadium tomorrow, followed by the final on Friday.
Renovation Efforts for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The PCB’s ambitious reconstruction project—covering stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi—began on October 10 last year and faced several challenges. However, the board successfully completed the preparations, ensuring that Pakistan is ready to host its first ICC event since the 1996 World Cup.
With the stadiums now ready, Karachi is set to welcome world-class cricket once again, as the city gears up to host some of the biggest cricketing showdowns in 2025.
