Following the renovation of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the National Stadium Karachi has also been inaugurated in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) organized an inauguration ceremony at the stadium after the completion of its reconstruction.
The chief guest at the event was Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, accompanied by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Sindh’s Minister of Sports, and other dignitaries. Murad Ali Shah officially inaugurated the stadium and congratulated PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for completing the stadium’s renovation in record time.
A large crowd of spectators gathered at the National Stadium to witness the grand opening. The stadium’s reconstruction was completed in less than four months. Following the inauguration, a spectacular fireworks display lit up the sky, and renowned singers entertained the audience.
The Pakistan cricket squad also took the stage during the ceremony and unveiled their Champions Trophy kit at the Karachi stadium.
The National Stadium Karachi has been upgraded with modern dressing rooms and hospitality boxes for players and officials. To enhance broadcast quality, 350 LED floodlights have been installed, along with two digital replay screens and over 5,000 new seats for spectators.
Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Inaugurated Earlier
Earlier, on February 7, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The event was attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, former PCB chairmen Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf, national team players, and other prominent figures.
Champions Trophy 2025 – Key Details
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will officially kick off on February 19 in Karachi. While some matches will also be played in the UAE, the tournament’s opening match will be held in Karachi between Pakistan and New Zealand.
Due to India’s refusal to tour Pakistan, all of India’s matches (except against Pakistan) will be played in the UAE. The highly anticipated Pakistan vs. India clash will take place on February 23 in Dubai.
The final of the tournament is scheduled for March 9. However, if India qualifies for the final, it will not be held in Pakistan.
Honoring Stadium Workers
Before the inauguration, a special ceremony was held to honor the workers who played a role in renovating the National Stadium. A red carpet welcome was arranged for over 700 workers, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hosted a special meal in their honor.
Mohsin Naqvi personally met and appreciated the workers for their hard work and dedication in completing the stadium’s renovation. He also invited them to watch the Pakistan vs. South Africa match.
Mohsin Naqvi’s Speech
During his speech, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that many people on social media doubted the completion of the stadium renovations, but today, “they have lost, and we have won.”
He further mentioned that additional improvements will be made to the National Stadium Karachi after the Champions Trophy. Trenches and better seating angles will also be introduced.
Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan’s team deserves full support, stating, “We should believe in our team. If the players are working hard, they will deliver good results.” He urged fans not to lose faith in the team based on one or two matches but instead focus on their efforts and dedication.
He concluded by expressing full confidence in Rizwan, the team, and the selection committee, stating that they “will conquer the field.”
Babar’s Complaint to Karachi Fans
Former Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam expressed disappointment over Karachi fans not turning up at the stadium to watch matches. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the renovated National Cricket Stadium Karachi, Babar stated that the team plays for the love and support of the fans and hopes to perform well in the upcoming match and the Champions Trophy.
He added that the Pakistani team needs the fans’ support, but he feels Karachi fans don’t attend matches as expected. Captain Mohammad Rizwan praised the revamped stadium, hoping for equally great results in matches, while vice-captain Salman Ali Agha expressed optimism that fans would turn up for the games just as they did for the inauguration.
Fast bowler Naseem Shah appreciated Karachi’s support and hoped for a strong turnout at the next match. Shaheen Afridi thanked Karachi fans for showing up at the event and emphasized the need for similar support in the Champions Trophy. Haris Rauf mentioned that the team plays to entertain fans, while Fakhar Zaman was delighted to see a large crowd, countering the perception that Karachiites don’t attend matches.
