Karachi’s National Stadium being renovated for PSL 2018 final

KARACHI: Renovation and preparations for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) third edition final are underway at the National Stadium, Karachi.

All-set to host the PSL 2018 final on March 25, the cricket ground had been reduced to broken chairs, shredded roofs, rotten construction, and discoloured structures.

It was established in 1955, and hosted an international match last time in 2009 between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Media reports told it was last repaired for the 1996 World Cup.

With just over two weeks left in the big day, construction workers and ground curators are playing their part to give the event a historical end. Repairing activities are happening regularly.

Renovation of National Stadium Karachi Underway for the PSL Final #Karachi #Sindh #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/sX5zDwCiQl

— Developing Pakistan (@DevelopmentPk) March 1, 2018

The stadium is said to have a capacity of 34,000 people. According to reports, around Rs1.5 billion is being spent for the renovation which required more time than the last four months. The construction works will also be done after the PSL final, like lying roofs above the stands.

Hospitality boxes and dressing rooms are being refurbished while two electric lifts backed by standby generators will be fully functional during the PSL 3 final match. No doubt, the revamp will help the stadium revive its lost glory even after the game.

Spectators during the March 25 encounter will have to sit on the stands without roofs, however, all major activities to revamp the stadium will be completed by March 15 – the day when the National Logistic Cell (NLC) will hand over the stadium to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), a report said.

Karachi urged to get ready

The PCB chief Najam Sethi has requested the people of Karachi to get ready for the PSL final. “I urge them (people of Karachi) to show to the entire world that they are exemplary hosts and great sporting city.”

He paid a two-day visit to the provincial capital and overviewed the renovation and security arrangements.

A notification issued by the Bahadurabad police station said that all buildings, marriage halls, hotels, business centres and other offices in the vicinity will remain closed during the match.