Plans for what is expected to become Pakistan’s largest cricket stadium have taken a significant step forward after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) opened the financial bids for the project, with a PKR 8.9 billion (approx. US$32 million) proposal emerging as the leading offer, according to a report by Dawn.
The proposed venue will be developed near Sector D-12 at the foothills of the Margalla Hills and is designed to accommodate more than 35,000 spectators. Officials have indicated the stadium will draw inspiration from the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while the project’s overall estimated cost stands at PKR 11.9 billion (approx. US$43 million).
Habib-ZKB-EA JV emerges as preferred bidder
Habib-ZKB-EA JV emerged as the successful bidder after the CDA completed the financial bid opening process for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project.
A source said: “The Habib-ZKB-EA JV has emerged as the successful bidder in the financial bid by quoting a price of Rs8.9 billion, of which Rs5.8 billion is for a three-tier stadium structure and Rs3.1 billion is for external works including three kilometres of three plus three lane roads, alongside its associated structures.”
The external works are expected to include new road infrastructure and associated developments to support the stadium precinct once construction begins.
Final approval process still to be completed
The bidding process began earlier this year when two joint ventures submitted design and financial proposals through the e-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (e-PADS). Following an evaluation of the initial submissions, the CDA requested both bidders to provide supplementary designs and revised proposals before the deadline.
Habib-ZKB-EA JV confirmed that its original financial proposal would remain unchanged, while the competing consortium did not submit a supplementary design or revised financial bid, allowing the CDA to proceed with opening the remaining bid.
Before the contract can be formally awarded, the quoted price will undergo an independent assessment.
An official said: “If the consultant, Nespak, okays the rates quoted by the JV in question we will move forward to award the contract.”
Islamabad set for major cricket infrastructure boost
Once approved, construction is expected to be completed within approximately one year. The new stadium would become the premier international cricket venue in the Islamabad region, where the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is currently the only ground capable of hosting international matches.
The project also represents a significant investment in Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure, with the proposed venue expected to expand the country’s capacity to stage major international fixtures while providing a new flagship stadium for the federal capital.
