Karachi braces for PSL: National Stadium’s renovation enters final stage

As we are just days away for Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) third edition kick off, National Stadium Karachi’s renovation work entered in its final phase ahead of the much awaited final of the tournament on March 25.

The pending renovation work began on August 21 last year and has now entered in the final phase, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told Business Recorder.

The mega renovation work, which is expected to cost Rs1.5billion, has been divided into two phases, the first phase will be completed in the first week of March while the next phase will start after the conclusion of PSL.

“Renovation work of the dressing rooms and VIP boxes are underway, whereas pitch and outfield preparations are also in final stages. More than 200 workers are working in day and night shifts to complete the work on time,” a PCB official said.

He further said the initial tender is allotted to National Logistics Cell (NLC) while consultation and designing of the project were completed by NESPAK National Engineering Services Pakistan.

As many as 800 CCTV cameras were installed across the stadium, while lifts, which were initially part of second phase, are also being installed in this phase.

On the other hand, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) Managing Director Hashim Raza Zaidi has assured the PCB that his organisation will assist the board in the successful organisation of the PSL final.

The KWSB will set up a camp at the stadium, and will have numerous water tankers, rodding machines and other equipment on the site in order to fulfill all water-related requirements.

It is pertinent to mention here that, PCB chairman Najam Sethi announced that the final of PSL3 will take place in Karachi, and that city’s derelict stadium will undergo complete facelift for the upcoming events.