The Pakistan Cricket Board is moving closer to handing operational control of Hyderabad’s historic Niaz Stadium to the Kingsmen Group as part of an ambitious long-term redevelopment project tied to the Pakistan Super League’s recent expansion.
Hyderabad Kingsmen Owner Fawad Sarwar, speaking during a video podcast, confirmed that discussions around the proposed agreement had advanced significantly and said the remaining process largely involved administrative formalities between the relevant authorities.
🚨 GOOD NEWS FOR HYDERABAD 👏
We have received approval from the Sindh Government; now we are just waiting for the PCB Chairman. As soon as he is available, the stadium (Hyderabad Stadium) will be handed over. The issues regarding vendors and files have also been sorted out. The… pic.twitter.com/lnEtZF8F62
— Mian Ahmad (@aHmADmIaN150) May 9, 2026
“Yes, things have progressed quite a lot. Approval has already been granted by the Sindh government. The paperwork is what remains now. The arrangement is that PCB will hand over the ownership side of things to us, if you want to put it that way. Obviously, it is going to be a long-term lease that we have agreed with them on.”
The proposed arrangement would place the Kingsmen Group in charge of managing and operating Niaz Stadium as the PCB continues shifting focus toward franchise-linked infrastructure development following the PSL’s expansion to eight teams earlier this year.
Niaz Stadium was designated as the home venue for Hyderabad Kingsmen after the league’s expansion, significantly increasing pressure to modernise a venue that remains one of Pakistan cricket’s most historic but underutilised grounds.
Five-star hotel and high-performance centre form part of wider vision
The redevelopment proposal extends beyond standard stadium renovations and includes broader commercial and training infrastructure intended to transform Hyderabad into a long-term cricket operations hub.
Plans currently include upgrades to pitches, practice facilities, dressing rooms, hospitality areas, lighting systems, broadcasting infrastructure and overall matchday operations, while a five-star hotel and dedicated high-performance centre are also part of the wider blueprint.
“Alongside that, for the high-performance centre, we have narrowed down two locations there, roughly around 12 to 14 acres in size. We will begin work on our high-performance centre there as well.”
Sarwar also said the primary delays surrounding the project were linked to approvals and scheduling rather than construction concerns.
“Now, as you know, the chairman is currently busy with other matters, so there has been a slight delay because of that, but everything is moving forward.”
“As I told you, the main issue is always permits, approvals, files getting cleared and things like that. Otherwise, construction itself should be completed within four to six months, InshaAllah.”
PSL expansion increases urgency around stadium redevelopment
The stadium’s redevelopment has taken on greater strategic importance since the PSL expanded geographically beyond its traditional centres as part of the league’s long-term commercial growth plans.
The PCB and Sindh government had already discussed upgrading Niaz Stadium to international standards before the Kingsmen proposal advanced, but the franchise-led involvement is now expected to accelerate the process significantly.
“Our effort is still one hundred percent and I am still very confident. I think from our contractors, vendors, and everyone involved, we still have not received any indication that we do not have enough time to get it ready for the next PSL season. So, InshaAllah, I think we are on track.”
Built in 1961, Niaz Stadium remains one of Pakistan’s most historically significant venues. The ground hosted the opening match of the 1987 Reliance World Cup between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and witnessed Jalaluddin’s ODI hat-trick against Australia in 1982, the first hat-trick recorded in men’s ODI history.
The venue also hosted the final ODI appearance of former Pakistan Captain Imran Khan before the country’s successful 1992 World Cup campaign, while players including Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Javed Miandad have all featured at the stadium during its international history.
Pakistan has never lost an international Test or ODI match at Niaz Stadium, adding further symbolic weight to the PCB’s plans to restore the venue as a major part of the country’s expanding cricket infrastructure network.
