The official design for Islamabad’s proposed 35,000-seat cricket stadium has been unveiled, according to reports, revealing plans for a major new sporting venue near Sector D-12 at the foothills of the Margalla Hills.
اسلام آباد میں نئے تعمیر ہونے والے کرکٹ اسٹیڈیم کے آفیشل ڈیزائن کی ویڈیو جاری کر دی گئی https://t.co/3OwBSkoG5R
— Muzamil (@muzamil_45) October 12, 2026
The development is expected to become one of Pakistan’s largest cricket venues, with the proposed capacity potentially making it the country’s biggest stadium by spectator numbers.
Architectural renderings depict a circular structure with three seating tiers, partially roofed stands and views of the surrounding hills. The plans also incorporate a glass-fronted exterior, landscaped pedestrian areas, large entrances, parking facilities and supporting road infrastructure.
Construction costs and infrastructure investment
According to Dawn, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has concluded the project’s bidding process, with the Habib-ZKB-EA joint venture submitting an offer of PKR 8.9 billion (approx. US$32 million), against an estimated project cost of PKR 11.9 billion (approx. US$43 million).
Habib Construction Services is the lead partner in the consortium, which is expected to undertake the stadium development.
The financial proposal allocates PKR 5.8 billion (approx. US$21 million) to the main three-tier stadium structure. The remaining PKR 3.1 billion (approx. US$11 million) covers external works, including around three kilometres of six-lane roads and related infrastructure.
Preparations for construction
The CDA has already begun developing an access road from Margalla Road, near Sector D-12, to the proposed stadium location.
Preparations for the project’s groundbreaking ceremony are also nearing completion, although the formal launch is awaiting approval from the Interior Minister.
The first construction phase is expected to be completed within one year of work beginning. A confirmed date for completion of the entire stadium has not been provided.
Potential international cricket role
The stadium is being planned as a future venue for major domestic and international cricket, potentially expanding the infrastructure available for high-profile fixtures in Islamabad.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official has indicated that the proposed facility would resemble Dubai Cricket Stadium.
The official also identified the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 as a possible opportunity for Islamabad to stage international matches, provided the stadium is ready in time. Its participation in the tournament remains a possibility rather than a confirmed hosting arrangement.
Planning restrictions and next steps
The proposed site is located within Islamabad’s Zone III, where construction is generally restricted.
However, the CDA maintains that sports and recreational developments are permitted in the area, despite the broader limitations on building activity.
With the design unveiled, bidding concluded and access-road construction underway, the next formal milestone is the groundbreaking ceremony, pending approval from the Interior Minister.
