Islamabad’s cricket infrastructure is set for a significant overhaul after the Capital Development Authority moved to bring the Pakistan Cricket Board into a plan aimed at upgrading several major grounds across the federal capital. The initiative is designed to improve playing facilities, develop higher-quality pitches and create venues capable of hosting professional domestic cricket, while ensuring continued access for local players. CDA Member Environment Abdullah Khurram Niazi told Dawn that the project forms part of a wider effort to strengthen sports infrastructure and youth participation in the city.
PCB set to play a larger role in ground development
Under the proposed arrangement, the PCB will assist with pitch preparation, ground maintenance and cricket-related improvements at key venues including Shalimar, Diamond, National, Bhutto, Banigala and F-9 cricket grounds.
Explaining the structure of the partnership, Niazi said, “The grounds in question will remain part of CDA, PCB will repair, prepare pitches and will take care of these grounds and in return they will use them for PCB matches like first-class matches and grade II events. For the rest of the year, the grounds will be available for local players.”
The model would allow the PCB to stage selected domestic competitions at the venues while leaving ownership and overall control with the civic authority.
Focus on academies and player development
The infrastructure project extends beyond ground upgrades and includes plans to strengthen cricket development pathways in the capital. CDA is preparing a broader programme that will cover both facilities and academy structures, with input expected from former Test cricketers.
Discussing the wider strategy, he added, “We have a complete plan for revamping cricket grounds and cricket academies in Islamabad.”
The authority is also planning age-group academies that would operate through a competitive outsourcing process with limits on fees. Separate programmes for women’s cricket and children are expected to remain under direct CDA management.
Expanding access to public facilities
A key objective of the initiative is increasing opportunities for aspiring cricketers while limiting the commercialisation of public sports infrastructure. Officials want to ensure that community and club players are able to use facilities without facing prohibitive costs.
Addressing that approach, Niazi stated, “Money-making from sports facilities is not our purpose; we want to provide maximum chances to youth to play cricket and other sports. We will take steps to ensure free grounds for club cricketers.”
The policy follows longstanding concerns regarding access to public cricket facilities in Islamabad. In previous years, some grounds were reportedly controlled by private individuals who charged significant fees, limiting opportunities for developing players. The CDA later regained control of those venues and introduced an online booking system that charged PKR 15,000 per day (approx. US$54 per day), a cost many club cricketers struggled to absorb. That system has since been discontinued.
Wider sports strategy for the capital
Alongside cricket-specific projects, the CDA is planning broader investment in sports participation across Islamabad, including initiatives involving football, hockey and other disciplines.
Highlighting the wider vision, Niazi said, “CDA has large resources, which should be utilised for the betterment of citizens.”
The authority is also considering community-based competitions designed to increase participation at the local level.
Speaking about those plans, he added, “I am also planning to hold competitions sector-wise, like G-6 cricket or football team playing against G-7 teams. Hopefully, people of Islamabad will see major change in Islamabad.”
Corporate entities may still be permitted to use sports facilities under a managed framework, with the CDA intending to oversee the process through digital systems. As Niazi noted, “we will ensure transparency in this process too through digitisation”.
The partnership with the PCB represents one of the most significant cricket infrastructure initiatives undertaken in Islamabad in recent years, with the aim of improving playing standards, expanding development opportunities and creating a stronger pathway from grassroots cricket to the domestic game.
