Rawalpindi Stadium enters naming rights phase
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially initiated the process of selling the naming rights for the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, marking a significant step in its ongoing efforts to commercialize cricket venues across the country. According to multiple reports in local media, tenders have been invited from corporate entities interested in acquiring the rights to the historic ground.
This development mirrors the board’s earlier move with Karachi’s National Stadium, which was renamed National Bank Cricket Arena in 2022. Similar opportunities are expected to be introduced for other major venues, including Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The Rawalpindi stadium, known for hosting high-stakes international matches and memorable Pakistan Super League (PSL) games, could soon carry a brand-affiliated name — a trend consistent with global sports marketing practices. While no official timeline has been announced for the completion of the bidding process, industry insiders expect negotiations to begin shortly.
Officials say the naming rights initiative is part of a broader PCB strategy to enhance commercial revenues and reduce reliance on external funding. For cricket fans, while the name might change, the venue’s legacy as a passionate hub of Pakistani cricket is expected to remain intact.
Renovation work signals Rawalpindi’s readiness for global fixtures
In parallel with the naming rights initiative, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has recently undergone significant upgrades. The main pavilion, media boxes, and VIP sections have all seen renovation, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi personally visiting the venue to inspect progress.
According to reports, the refurbishment aims to bring the stadium up to international standards ahead of upcoming global tournaments. Most of the work is now said to be in its final stages, and officials have expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the developments.
These upgrades not only improve the spectator and media experience but also position Rawalpindi as a preferred venue in the PCB’s international calendar — particularly as Karachi’s stadium continues to undergo its own improvements.
Islamabad cricket stadium project gains new life
In a parallel move to boost cricket infrastructure, the PCB and federal government are also revisiting plans to build a long-promised cricket stadium in Islamabad. After years of legal delays, environmental concerns, and administrative uncertainty, the project has reportedly been revived under the directive of Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
According to multiple reports in local media, Naqvi has instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to begin construction on a 25-acre site near Sector D-12 and Shah Allah Ditta in the Margalla Hills region. A 30,000-seat design proposal from Dubai has reportedly been received, with expectations that the stadium will host both domestic and international matches.
This new momentum comes after a series of failed proposals, including a 2018 plan at Shakarparian that was blocked by the Supreme Court and a controversial 2025 proposal for F-9 Park that drew strong public criticism. The D-12 location is now viewed as a viable alternative, with scenic surroundings and fewer legal entanglements.
Although financing details and timelines are still pending, officials suggest that the Islamabad stadium will be a multi-purpose facility aimed at elevating the capital’s sports infrastructure. If completed, it would fill a long-standing gap by providing Islamabad with its first international-standard cricket venue.
