ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital is on track to get its first-ever international cricket stadium, as key stakeholders on Wednesday reviewed the project’s revised concept design and agreed to move the development process forward.
The meeting, chaired by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, included senior officials from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and project consultants. The proposed stadium will be located in the foothills of the Margalla range near Sector D-12, offering spectators a panoramic open view of the mountains.
Design Finalized: 32,000 Capacity and Major Parking Zone
According to officials, the proposed stadium will feature seating for around 32,000 spectators and will replicate features of the Dubai Cricket Stadium, which has served as a model for the project.
A major component of the revised plan includes a large dedicated parking facility with capacity for 10,000 vehicles, to be located nearly one kilometre away from the venue. This arrangement aims to prevent congestion around the stadium during major events.
Sources revealed that the PC-1 for the project—initially approved at a cost of Rs12 billion—has been revised to Rs8 billion following adjustments to the design.
Tendering Process Likely to Begin Soon
Officials familiar with the development said another meeting is scheduled for next week, after which the CDA is expected to receive a formal green signal to proceed with the tendering process. Once construction begins, the stadium is projected to be completed within two years.
At present, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is the only venue capable of hosting international matches in the twin cities. However, its central location results in massive traffic disruptions and road closures, impacting thousands of residents and local businesses.
Rawalpindi Residents Welcome Project, Call for Site Review
Residents of Rawalpindi—who often face road blockades, traffic diversions, and business closures during major cricket events—say the new stadium is a much-needed facility.
“Whenever matches are held at the Rawalpindi Stadium, residents suffer because of route closures and security arrangements,” said Furqan Hussain, a Rawalpindi local. “Even traders on Murree Road incur huge losses due to forced shutdowns.”
While welcoming the project, he urged authorities to carefully re-evaluate the D-12 site to avoid long-term logistical issues.
“This is the right time to make a wise decision; otherwise future generations will suffer due to poor planning,” he added.
CDA–PCB Joint Venture Structure Under Consideration
Officials confirmed that the new cricket stadium will be developed as a joint venture between the CDA and PCB. Although the latest agreement has yet to be finalized, earlier discussions outlined the following framework:
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280 kanals of land to be leased by CDA for 99 years
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PCB responsible for construction within five years
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Revenue sharing formula: 70% PCB, 30% CDA
The two institutions previously attempted to build a stadium at Shakarparian, but the project was halted by the Supreme Court. The court ruled the area—listed as part of the national park—could not be used for new construction.
The Shakarparian zone had originally been designated as a sports center in Islamabad’s 1960 master plan prepared by Doxiadis Associates. However, a 1979 notification changed its status, bringing the area under national park protections, which led to the cancellation of the earlier stadium plan.
With the Shakarparian project scrapped, authorities are now focused on moving the D-12 stadium forward as Islamabad’s first purpose-built cricket venue.
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