KARACHI, Aug 16: The ad hoc committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took a U-turn on Tuesday when it decided to put the proposed upgradation of National Stadium Karachi (NSK) on the backburner while citing multiple constraints.

Shaharyar M. Khan, the PCB chairman, declared that the plans for the upgradation of the stadium needed to be revised since the cost of Rs500 million project was not deemed feasible.

“Initially our plan was to increase the present capacity from 35,000 to over 50,000 seats along with upgrading the existing facilities. But after studying the feasibility report, we have decided to revise the proposed plans,” the PCB chief told reporters after a four-hour meeting of the ad hoc committee.

According to the PCB chairman, the exorbitant cost of overheads was the main reason for putting the initially planned project on hold. However, he pledged that the revised proposals would benefit the cricket interests of the people of Karachi.

“We have not shelved the entire project, but only opted to trim down the overhead expenses. Initially, we had planned to have an underground parking area for around 600 cars.

“Once we realized that Karachi hosts just a couple of international matches during a year, we were advised to drop this idea,” he explained. “However, the existing capacity will be increased nominally to accommodate between 40,000 to 45,000 spectators.”

Meanwhile, the cricket board has decided to launch a self-financed club house project, which will be named Cricket Club of Pakistan.

In another move, the PCB has decided to install digital scoreboards and electronic screens in Karachi, Lahore and Multan stadiums prior to the commencement of home series against England in the coming winter.

“The installations of digital scoreboards have become necessary because most Test centres around the world have them. The existing screens at Karachi and Lahore have worn out and need to be replaced by larger modern screens,” the PCB chief announced.

“A presentation was made by a South African expert this afternoon. We will float the tender for these projects soon to ensure transparency and merit. And since time is short, the tender will be processed speedily to have the equipment installed in time for the England series.”

The PCB chief also announced that the regional academies in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Multan will soon start re-functioning after they have been equipped with facilities such as gymnasium, swimming pool and video screening systems. “Besides a coach, these centres will also have a trainer and physio to enhance the fitness levels of young cricketers.”

The ad hoc committee has also decided to appoint a six-man coaching panel, headed by a director of coaching, for the National Cricket Academy in Lahore in the light of a presentation made by Saleem Altaf, the PCB director cricket operations.

“The NCA director of coaching will oversee a team of specialist batting, bowling and fielding coaches. In addition, we will initiate a youth programme with an ‘A’ team coach and an under-19 coach. All these appointments will be made in a fair and transparent manner after we advertise for these posts,” the PCB chairman said. “The applicants will be thoroughly assessed based on their experience and coaching ability before being appointed.”

Meanwhile, Shaharyar reiterated, not for the first time, that Karachi was proposed a Test venue for the England series.

“I want to put this on record that the PCB wanted England to play a Test here (in Karachi). But the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) acted on the advice of the British government before turning down our request.

“Their refusal was based purely on security concern for the team, the large media contingent and the English fans. From day one since we began deliberations on the itinerary, they (ECB officials) never wanted to prolong the team’s stay in Karachi.

“Had we remained adamant, the tour could have been thrown into jeopardy. When England come here for the one-day match, they will realize that Karachi is as safe as any other venue in the world.

“However, at the same time, we are hopeful that Karachi will soon become a regular Test centre again. Already, we have proposed India to play a Test during their tour early next year,” the PCB chief concluded.