LAHORE: The construction of two enclosures and the main building at Gaddafi Stadium must be completed within the next five months, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Monday. He also highlighted that similar upgrades are required for the main building of the National Stadium in Karachi.

Mohsin made the comments during an inspection of ongoing construction work at Gaddafi Stadium.

“The completion of the two enclosures and the main building at Gaddafi Stadium within five months is imperative,” he told reporters at the venue. “Similar improvements are needed for the National Stadium in Karachi.”

The PCB chairman noted that the designs for the stadiums have been prepared by the international firm BDP.

He pointed out the significant disparity between international-standard stadiums and those in Pakistan, emphasizing that the current facilities fall short of global standards.

“Our stadiums lack proper seating, restrooms, and adequate viewing angles, which is akin to watching a match from 500 meters away,” he said.

The PCB chief stressed that while the facilities from the 1980s may have sufficed at the time, the demands of the current era necessitate substantial upgrades.

In addition, Mohsin revealed that the PCB is working on establishing new high-performance centers in Islamabad, Abbottabad, and Skardu.

He mentioned that some stadiums fall outside the PCB’s control and have thus sent letters to various provincial governments requesting either repairs or transfer of control to the PCB for refurbishment.

Discussions are ongoing with Khyber Pakhtun­khwa and other provinces on this matter, Mohsin added.

Furthermore, Mohsin disclosed that a building adjacent to the National Cricket Academy has been acquired for conversion into a hotel.

Although transforming the building into a hotel poses challenges, he assured that work is in progress.

This development is expected to alleviate traffic congestion for Lahore residents caused by international teams traveling from their hotel to Gaddafi Stadium.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2024