Development Work at Karachi’s National Stadium to Be Completed by Mid-January Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Karachi:Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman **Mohsin Naqvi** visited Karachi’s National Stadium to inspect the ongoing development work ahead of the **ICC Champions Trophy 2025**. Naqvi confirmed that the development projects at the stadium are expected to be completed by mid-January.

The infrastructure for the new building within the stadium will be completed in the next 10 days, with finishing touches expected to take an additional 2 to 3 weeks. Due to the ongoing work, **Pakistan’s Test match against the West Indies**, scheduled for January 16, may be moved to another city.

In a media briefing, Chairman Naqvi said, “The new building will be ready by January, but with some work still ongoing, the West Indies Test match may need to be shifted to a different venue. However, ahead of the Champions Trophy, we will hold the **Triangular Series** matches in Karachi to test the new facilities.”

**Upgrades at National Stadium**
Naqvi explained that the stadium is undergoing significant upgrades, including the replacement of barriers to improve sightlines and views from the stands. Additionally, new **LED lights** and **screen installations** will be completed by mid-January. The stadium will also feature a parking facility for 2,700 cars.

The PCB Chairman also revealed plans to install new chairs in the stands, and preparations are underway for a better fan experience at the venue.

**On the ICC Champions Trophy Schedule**
Regarding the **Champions Trophy**, Naqvi confirmed that the schedule will be announced by the ICC soon, with PCB having submitted its proposals. He also mentioned that Karachi fans could expect “good news” regarding the neutral venue for the event.

**Fakhar Zaman’s Selection**
In response to a question about **Fakhar Zaman’s** inclusion in the team, Naqvi stated that the issue should be addressed by the selection committee. He emphasized that the head coach is a member of the selection committee, but is not given full control over selection decisions. “Coaches are meant to focus on coaching, while selectors handle the selection process. Team performance is the result of teamwork, not individual decisions,” he said.

**Summary:**
The development work at Karachi’s National Stadium is progressing well, with all major upgrades expected to be completed by mid-January. This will ensure the venue is fully prepared for the **ICC Champions Trophy 2025**. In the meantime, the PCB continues to address selection matters and is focused on enhancing the overall fan experience.