ISLAMABAD, Dec 12: Arif Rahim, the man who successfully organised a string of cricket series at home this season, has called for quick construction of the Shakarparian Stadium in Islamabad.

“The city requires a stadium of international standard so that cricket could be played in a serene setting,” he told Dawn.

“The spectators would get to enjoy cricket more in Islamabad than other centres of the country because of its natural beauty,” said Arif, who as the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board’s organising committee saw through the Bangladesh, South Africa and New Zealand series with precision.

An area of 11.5 acres for the proposed stadium, located close to Shakarparian, was first leased to the Islamabad Cricket Association (ICA) in 1990 by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). This was further increased to 30 acres in 1992.

“The PCB is keen on having a stadium in Islamabad,” Arif said while pointing out that ICA officials had called on the CDA chairman Kamran Lashari in this regard. A steering committee, headed by the CDA boss, has been constituted.

He suggested that the government should also help in upgradation of stadiums and ensure provision of facilities like quality hotels in places like Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Gujranwala.