Pakistan stadiums to be upgraded, brought up to international standards for PSL, international tours

[Abdullah719]

PCB Board of Governors meets in Karachi

KARACHI MARCH 26: The 48th meeting of the PCB Board of Governors (BoG) took place at a local hotel in Karachi today to discuss various methods pertaining to Domestic, International and Women's cricket.

The meeting was chaired by Chairman PCB Mr. Najam Sethi.

The BoG appreciated and congratulated the PCB for the outstanding success of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018 that concluded with a historic final at Karachi's National Stadium on Sunday.

The BoG acknowledged the tireless efforts of the Chairman and PCB team that delivered a hugely successful third edition of the league with an unprecedented three matches being staged in the country following the league stage in Dubai and Sharjah.

The BoG members unanimously backed the PCB in the efforts of building the PSL brand that has now become a leading Pakistani brand acknowledged around the world.

The BoG also backed PCB's plans of developing an infrastructure for PSL and international matches around the country in the years ahead.

Stadiums would be upgraded and brought to international standards for the upcoming editions of the PSL as well as international tours by teams from around the world.

The BoG was also briefed about the plans and preparations for the three match T20I series against the West Indies that will be staged at the National Stadium in Karachi next week.

The Chairman also briefed the BoG about cricket development at the Domestic level, it was decided by the members that the National A Team should be revived and team's home and away tours should be arranged with teams from around the world in the coming months.

The BoG was also briefed about PCB plans of further improving Domestic cricket.

The PCB has requested the Departments to play an active role in improving and capacity building of Regions across the country and elaborate plans would be soon shared with them.

Women's Cricket team performance in Sri Lanka was also appreciated by the BoG following their success in the ODI series there.

The Chairman apprised the BoG of the plan of setting-up five Women's Cricket Academies around the country, details of the venues and development plan for these academies would be announced soon.



The following BoG members were present at the meeting:

-Mr. Najam Aziz Sethi, Chairman PCB.
-Mr. Murad Ismail, Member BoG.
-Mr. Shahrez Abdullah Khan, Member BoG.
-Mr. Mansoor Masood Khan, Member BoG.
-Dr. Najeeb Samie, Member BoG.
-Mr. Arif Ijaz, Member BoG.
-Mr. Syed Abu Ahmed Akif, Ex-Officio Member (Secretary Ministry of IPC)
-Mr. Subhan Ahmed, COO PCB
-Mr. Badar M Khan, CFO PCB
-Mr. Amjad Hussain, Director Media and Co-ordination PCB
-Mr. Salman Naseer, Secretary to the Board.

 

[barah_admi]

This is good news. They also need to expand beyond Karachi and Lahore and look to fix up stadia in all the relevant PSL cities.

 

[Savak]

Not sure why the PCB should take responsibility for Womens Cricket in Pakistan. There should be a separate Women's Cricket Board for that.

 

[hashimafzal]

Not sure why the PCB should take responsibility for Womens Cricket in Pakistan. There should be a separate Women's Cricket Board for that.

It's the Pakistan CRICKET Board. Nowhere does it refer to only mens cricket. Look at other sports governing bodies around the world, all are running their women's game. (US Soccer Federation, Cricket Australia) It just needs to be administered properly (which it is not). That's the only problem.

 

[Markhor]

The PCB has requested the Departments to play an active role in improving and capacity building of Regions across the country and elaborate plans would be soon shared with them.

Important news, hope we can move to Regional-based domestic cricket and have the Departments sponsor the regions instead. Sick of this Airlines vs Gas Company nonsense.

Hope they improve the standard of pitches too as what we saw in the last QEA was appalling.

Good they're seeking to revive the A team but we've heard it all before.

 

[Hasan123]

Improve the pitches as well please . PCB surely have enough funds to hire or seek advice from professional cricket pitch curators.

 

[Savak]

Improve the pitches as well please . PCB surely have enough funds to hire or seek advice from professional cricket pitch curators.

Sethi in an interview mentioned that funds were not the major issue, the major issue was foreigners refusing to apply and come to Pakistan due to security fears. Hopefully that might change now.

 

[Hasan123]

Sethi in an interview mentioned that funds were not the major issue, the major issue was foreigners refusing to apply and come to Pakistan due to security fears. Hopefully that might change now.

Yes I understand that. That's why I said seek advice if curators aren't willing to travel. Something needs to be done about the first class pitches.

 

[Savak]

Yes I understand that. That's why I said seek advice if curators aren't willing to travel. Something needs to be done about the first class pitches.

I think the PCB requested Agricultural Institutes and colleges for help in training curators. The pitches in Lahore were superb in the PSL games, plenty of pace and bounce for the seamers, batsmen able to hit through the line, edges going for 4 after one bounce, a defensive stroke and the ball racing to the boundary. A far cry from the UAE pitches, so many fast bowlers with excellent economy rates in the UAE got exposed in those games. But it is proof that Pakistani curators are capable of producing such pitches.

 

[ataullah]

What's latest on preparation of stadiums? I hope they are upgraded and ready for Psl next year

 

[topspin]

I think the PCB requested Agricultural Institutes and colleges for help in training curators. The pitches in Lahore were superb in the PSL games, plenty of pace and bounce for the seamers, batsmen able to hit through the line, edges going for 4 after one bounce, a defensive stroke and the ball racing to the boundary. A far cry from the UAE pitches, so many fast bowlers with excellent economy rates in the UAE got exposed in those games. But it is proof that Pakistani curators are capable of producing such pitches.

Excellent insight here Savak - very eloquently put especially in regards to the disparity in economy rates for some of those who bowled in UAE and Pakistan. It also goes to shows batting in the UAE in limited overs cricket (be it PSL or LOIs) isn't going to aid Pakistan's progression in batting if they can't exhibit their strokeplay on pitches where the ball is holding up.

 

[ChuckLee]

Good luck with that. Imran don’t know a dime about economics. Watch stadiums be of the same quality as stadiums from 50 years ago

 

[offstump]

Imran doesn't need to know a "dime" about economics, that's why the PM has a cabinet and ministers to advise them. Regardless, there are bigger issues at stake for the country than spending money to upgrade stadiums when no teams are even visiting Pakistan. PCB under Sethi wasted a boat load of money on the National Stadium upgrade. As of today, the roof isn't even complete which was promised to be done by the PSL final.

 

[MMHS]

Good luck with that. Imran don’t know a dime about economics. Watch stadiums be of the same quality as stadiums from 50 years ago

He completed his Graduation in Economics from Kable College, Oxford though

Does it really need that much money to improve the stadiums? Obviously, it'll - if they want to covert Gaddafi into Cow Boy's AT&T stadium or NSK into Falcon's Mercedes Benz stadium, but that much isn't required probably at this point.

What it needs first is to improve the playing surface - 3 metres X 23 metres strip, and another 6 metres X 25 metre either side along bowlers run up.

Then, the out field - smooth, grassy and well maintained (so that there are no hard/sharp particles hiding in grass)

Then comes, players enclosure, VIP & general stands, facilities for crowd, followed by artificial lights & roof of the stand.

Depending on economy, one can add items - electronic scoreboard, digital display, corporate box, restaurants with game view bars, may be indoor option (optic fiber retractable roof for whole stadium), ......

I don't think, for first 2, one needs to break bank - first someone has to realize that it's not working.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Imran doesn't need to know a "dime" about economics, that's why the PM has a cabinet and ministers to advise them. Regardless, there are bigger issues at stake for the country than spending money to upgrade stadiums when no teams are even visiting Pakistan. PCB under Sethi wasted a boat load of money on the National Stadium upgrade. As of today, the roof isn't even complete which was promised to be done by the PSL final.

Yeh man. Just let them stadiums rot in their existing conditions.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Viewing from outside I don’t see a proper roof being installed on the top of the National Stadium.Hopefully the work starts soon after the reshuffle in the BOG.

 

[Minnowbasher]

No big teams are gonna visit Pakistan for the next few years imo so it's a bit of a waste of money in renovating these stadiums. When the security situation is better and teams start visiting then perhaps it might be worth investing in stadiums more.
For now I prefer to see domestic cricket and grass roots level cricket being improved.

 

[blackanhyellow]

No big teams are gonna visit Pakistan for the next few years imo so it's a bit of a waste of money in renovating these stadiums. When the security situation is better and teams start visiting then perhaps it might be worth investing in stadiums more.
For now I prefer to see domestic cricket and grass roots level cricket being improved.

Where do you think domestic cricket is played?

 

[ataullah]

PCB chairman saying Niaz Stadium of Hyderabad will also host PSL matches next year. I hope it's upgraded to international standards

 

[SensiblePakFan]

No chance,if karachi took that long, do you really thing they can overhaul an entire stadium??

 

[Sherlock]

No chance,if karachi took that long, do you really thing they can overhaul an entire stadium??

There's a chance if they can get the right people doing the work and not some Sethi friends-type relationship golden-handshake.

 

[ataullah]

https://www.desiblitz.com/content/cricket-stadiums-pakistan-international-teams

Abbottabad Cricket Stadium ~ KPK

Abbottabad Cricket Stadium is a wonderful ground, which has massive potential in bringing international teams to Pakistan.

Away from the busy lifestyles of other major cities, peace and tranquillity takes over here. Abbottabad presents a serene contrast to other parts of Pakistan.

The location of this ground reaches an altitude of over 4,000 feet, representing the natural beauty of Pakistan. The stadium is a picturesque delight for an artist who loves the backdrop of mountains.

The stadium is visually similar to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Ground in Dharamsala, India. The cool temperatures of Abbottabad are perfect for a day of cricket.

However, the ground needs an upgrade and floodlights to meet international standards.

With tourism high on the agenda of Imran Khan, PCB should seize the opportunity and convert this ground into a major tourist hub.

Players and officials are familiar with the ground. Several training camps have been set up here on a regular basis.

Describing it as a stunning ground, former Pakistan legend, Wasim Akram says:

“It’s probably the most beautiful stadium in the world. I really feel proud that we have such stadiums in Pakistan. I have travelled all around the world and I’m pleased to see such a venue in our country.”

An official from the Abbottabad Cricket Association spoke about the ground pleading its case:

“This ground can catch the eye of the outside world but investment is needed.”

From a players safety perspective, investors will also need to think about building a 5-star hotel nearby. This can be part of a regeneration programme for this green city.

Having adequate facilities will ensure more talents like Junaid Khan going onto play for the national team.

Taking a leaf of runner, Ziyad Rahim, this ground can definitely act as a tourism card.

 

[ataullah]

Check out Abbottobad location on the link it's so beautiful and would be amazing if it's upgraded to international standards. So much potential but no investment sadly

 

[Mbappe]

What about Rafi stadium.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

How’s the work coming along in Arbab Niaz Stadium?

 

[aloo paratha]

What about Multan? Seems to be the best looking stadium in Pakistan and also looks reasonable well kept.

 

[gazza619]

Is Shekhupura stadium still there?

 

[Savak]

The ICC has certain requirements regarding stadiums, its not just about the ground or the stadium, but they also look at things like how is the passage from the Stadium to the hotels, security e.t.c.

 

[Pakpak]

Is Shekhupura stadium still there?

Yes but nowhere even close to be upto hosting a gal ka match never mind a proper game.

 

[Savak]

Need to get the Bahria Town Rafi Stadium and Defence Stadium up and running in Karachi

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Need to get the Bahria Town Rafi Stadium and Defence Stadium up and running in Karachi

I'm always skeptical of these housing societies launching the construction of cricket stadiums (or any other sport facilities).

 

[moghul]

https://www.desiblitz.com/content/cricket-stadiums-pakistan-international-teams

Abbottabad Cricket Stadium ~ KPK

Abbottabad Cricket Stadium is a wonderful ground, which has massive potential in bringing international teams to Pakistan.

Away from the busy lifestyles of other major cities, peace and tranquillity takes over here. Abbottabad presents a serene contrast to other parts of Pakistan.

The location of this ground reaches an altitude of over 4,000 feet, representing the natural beauty of Pakistan. The stadium is a picturesque delight for an artist who loves the backdrop of mountains.

The stadium is visually similar to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Ground in Dharamsala, India. The cool temperatures of Abbottabad are perfect for a day of cricket.

However, the ground needs an upgrade and floodlights to meet international standards.

With tourism high on the agenda of Imran Khan, PCB should seize the opportunity and convert this ground into a major tourist hub.

Players and officials are familiar with the ground. Several training camps have been set up here on a regular basis.

Describing it as a stunning ground, former Pakistan legend, Wasim Akram says:

“It’s probably the most beautiful stadium in the world. I really feel proud that we have such stadiums in Pakistan. I have travelled all around the world and I’m pleased to see such a venue in our country.”

An official from the Abbottabad Cricket Association spoke about the ground pleading its case:

“This ground can catch the eye of the outside world but investment is needed.”

From a players safety perspective, investors will also need to think about building a 5-star hotel nearby. This can be part of a regeneration programme for this green city.

Having adequate facilities will ensure more talents like Junaid Khan going onto play for the national team.

Taking a leaf of runner, Ziyad Rahim, this ground can definitely act as a tourism card.

I have been to Abbottabad many time, the most beautiful place to built a cricket stadium for international matches. . The most peaceful town, thanks to huge army base and PMA. Hardy a 20 minutes ride from Ismalabad by Helicopter or 2 hours by road,

 

[Chokli]

How come Pakistani stadiums aren't as nice or big as Indians

 

[Arham_PakFan]

I have been to Abbottabad many time, the most beautiful place to built a cricket stadium for international matches. . The most peaceful town, thanks to huge army base and PMA. Hardy a 20 minutes ride from Ismalabad by Helicopter or 2 hours by road,

2 hours is too long.

A top class hotel also needs to be built nearby for players/managements/media persons

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Need to get the Bahria Town Rafi Stadium and Defence Stadium up and running in Karachi

What Defence stadium?

 

[saeed5646]

What about Multan? Seems to be the best looking stadium in Pakistan and also looks reasonable well kept.

Multan is our best stadium but unfortunately one of national cup was postponed due to security reason .Hopefully Nation action plan is completed in this city and we are good to go for hosting matches

 

[saeed5646]

What about Multan? Seems to be the best looking stadium in Pakistan and also looks reasonable well kept.

Multan is our best stadium but unfortunately one of national cup was postponed due to security reason .Hopefully Nation action plan is completed in this city and we are good to go for hosting matches

View attachment 89124

actually multan have hosted 2018 national cup so it seems we are not too far from hosting international fixture there.

 

[JattMaula]

Check out Abbottobad location on the link it's so beautiful and would be amazing if it's upgraded to international standards. So much potential but no investment sadly

Same Abbottobad as in where OBL was kept?

 

[Haroon786]

Same Abbottobad as in where OBL was kept?

Yes.

 

[Abdullah719]

What Defence stadium?

Presumably Southend.... no chance of that being an international venue though.

 

[Green Patriot]

Not sure why the PCB should take responsibility for Womens Cricket in Pakistan. There should be a separate Women's Cricket Board for that.

Are you actually serious.
It is the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board)
Not MCB(Men's cricket board) that you are calling out for a seperate women's cricket board.
And cricket in Pakistan is for both men and women hence PCB is also for both obviously.

 

[Raquibul hasan khan]

Southern stadium has a test status.Already hosted 1 test in 1993...

 

[Savak]

Defence Moin Khan Stadium

 

[SensiblePakFan]

A stadium in peshahwar is currently undergoing renovation, it is a 5 minute drive from a 5 star hilton hotel which can easily be secured. Dont have much hope in our contractors unfortuantly.
Search youtube for a video.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuV71R1Iy5A

 

[SensiblePakFan]

 

[Markhor]

Any updates on the stadium renovations ?

 

[PakLFC]

We are gonna do everything on paper only!

 

[CricketDon]

Yeah the money will go in there back pockets

 

[Hawkeye]

Lol.

There's no money to do that.

Even if they manage to touch just one stadium, I hope it doesn't become the mess that KHI stadium has now become.

That pathetic roof blocks everyone's view, unless you're at the front/lowest seat.