KARACHI: The newly-renovated National Bank Stadium of Karachi was inaugurated on Tuesday in a spectacular event in the run-up to the venue hosting the ongoing Tri-Nation Series and the much-awaited ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah jointly inaugurated the newly upgraded National Bank Stadium, which has been enhanced in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The event was also attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Naqvi, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the national team, former cricketers and several other dignitaries.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated everyone on the successful upgradation of Karachi and Lahore stadiums in a record time in response to propaganda on social media ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. “We win, you lose,” said Naqvi, hitting back at social media trolls claiming that the PCB would not be able to complete the revamp of the stadiums before the much-awaited Champions Trophy event in the country. “This is for those who claimed on social media that we could not complete the construction of this stadium. If we failed to complete this, you would have won and we were unsuccessful. However, by completing this [upgradation] project, we won and you lose now.” He thanked contractors and labourers for working tirelessly to timely complete the work in a record time of less than four months.

“I admit here that Karachi stadium would look better than Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium.” The newly constructed pavilion features world-class dressing rooms for players and match officials, complemented by high-quality hospitality rooms. CM Murad praised the PCB for completing the renovations in record time. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting sports in the port city, saying, “The Sindh government is dedicated to providing top-notch facilities for sports activities in the city.” He recalled previous efforts by the Sindh government, noting the upgrade of the National Stadium in 2018 to ensure it was fully equipped for Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches. He emphasised Karachi’s passion for cricket and assured that his government would continue to support the sport at all levels.

“We will leave no stone unturned in reviving sports activities in Karachi,” he emphasised. Looking forward to the Champions Trophy, the chief minister expressed confidence in the Pakistan cricket team, stating: “We hope our Shaheens deliver an outstanding performance.” The inauguration ceremony of the port city’s cricket stadium features fireworks, a dazzling light show, and live performances by renowned singers Ali Zafar, Sahir Ali Bagga and Shafqat Amanat Ali.

The newly constructed pavilion features world-class dressing rooms for players and match officials, complemented by high-quality hospitality rooms. “Developed in a record time of around four months, the facility underscores the dedication and efficiency behind the stadium’s rapid transformation,” the board said in an official statement.  Nearly 5,000 dedicated workers contributed tirelessly to transforming the stadium, ensuring its full operational readiness for the tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.