PCB targets broader PSL footprint and upgraded cricket infrastructure
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved a sweeping set of infrastructure projects as part of its strategy to grow the Pakistan Super League (PSL) into a more globally recognized brand and expand top-tier cricket into new regions across the country.
At a recent meeting of the Board of Governors, chaired virtually by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB gave formal approval for the second phase of renovations at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and the revamp of the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground, which will be upgraded “on the pattern of England’s Oval Ground.”
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated the board’s intent to broaden PSL’s reach: “We are making every effort to stage PSL 11 matches at Muzaffarabad Stadium and to host international matches there as well.”
Muzaffarabad and Islamabad in focus for future PSL and international games
As part of its vision for decentralizing elite cricket, the PCB is setting its sights on more cities. The goal is to bring PSL 11 — scheduled from March 26 to May 3 next year — to Muzaffarabad, a venue which until now has remained on the periphery of high-profile events.
Naqvi also announced a landmark development in the capital, revealing that “a state-of-the-art cricket stadium will be constructed in Islamabad.” The project has been under discussion for years, with the idea first considered in 2005, but is now being positioned as a central pillar of the PCB’s infrastructure roadmap.
Success of PSL international roadshows hailed
Another focal point of the meeting was the board’s review of recent international promotional efforts. The PSL roadshows in London and New York received praise for their execution and impact, positioning the league to attract foreign investors and a broader global audience.
Naqvi, who personally led the events, noted that the success of the PSL roadshows [is] a result of joint teamwork between PCB and PSL officials, aimed at building the PSL into a strong international brand.
The board passed a resolution commending Naqvi and his team’s efforts, also highlighting his role in ensuring the continuation of Sri Lanka’s recent tour of Pakistan. Naqvi deflected personal praise, emphasizing that the credit for the Sri Lankan tour’s continuation belongs to the entire team, not a single individual.
Strengthening the domestic cricket ecosystem
Beyond the PSL and international expansion, the PCB also approved initiatives to bolster the domestic cricket structure. This includes enhanced scrutiny of clubs at the regional level by a leading private firm and increasing the number of grassroots tournaments and fixtures.
Officials provided updates on preparations for future ICC Men’s and Women’s events, as well as broader long-term planning to solidify Pakistan’s standing as a competitive cricketing nation both on and off the field.
Hotel project near Gaddafi Stadium still in limbo
While the board moved forward on several high-profile projects, questions remain over the fate of some pending developments — notably the hotel project near Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Despite purchasing a multi-storey building and an adjacent plot for approximately Rs 680 million (US$2.4 million), the project has seen no movement in over a year. Designed to accommodate foreign teams close to the venue — thereby reducing security-related transport costs — the facility’s main building is still not operational.
No decision or update was provided during the BoG meeting on the project’s timeline, highlighting a gap between the board’s ambitions and execution on certain key projects.
A strategic shift to elevate Pakistan cricket
The announcements come at a pivotal time for the PCB, which is aggressively investing in infrastructure and international marketing to future-proof its domestic system and elevate the PSL’s status globally.
With Muzaffarabad and Islamabad set to join the country’s cricketing map and major stadium upgrades underway, Pakistan cricket is poised for a broader footprint — both geographically and commercially — ahead of a crucial year for the sport.
