Senate body visits National Stadium Karachi to review PCB’s performance

KARACHI: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, led by its Chairman - Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, along with Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, on Monday visited the National Stadium Karachi on Monday, to review the Pakistan Cricket Board’s infrastructure, administrative performance and ongoing development initiatives.

The committee is on a two-day visit. They visited on the eve of the IMC Over-40s T20 Cricket World Cup 2025, a major international veterans’ sporting event is being held in Karachi.

Chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association - Fawad Ijaz Khan and the Chairman of International Masters Cricket - Stirling Hammon were also present.

PCB officials briefed the Committee on the Board’s performance over the last three years, the progress of the new stadium project in Karachi and the administrative and security arrangements in place for ongoing tournaments.

Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan acknowledged the efforts of Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti and stated that the Committee’s review focused on identifying improvements required in facilities and infrastructure.

He commended PCB and the participating teams for bringing international sporting vibrancy back to Karachi, noting that 12 countries were currently present for the ongoing competitions. He added that Pakistan remained open to hosting India as well and stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and sportsmanship while ensuring strong security arrangements for all visiting teams.

The Committee also discussed the need for equal distribution of cricket matches among all stadiums particularly those in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi so that all major cities receive their fair share of international events.

It further highlighted the significance of revamping Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium to develop it into a fully functional venue capable of hosting national and international cricket matches.

Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti expressed appreciation for the efforts being made to strengthen Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure and noted that the Committee’s visits to Lahore, Karachi and Multan were aimed at assessing public facilities and determining areas for enhancement. He observed that the participation of twelve countries in the veterans’ tournament reflected Pakistan’s improving security and infrastructure profile and acknowledged PCB’s performance in administrative, organisational and training-related matters. The senators also interacted with international teams competing in the Over-40s World Cup.

Pakistan’s former captain Abdul Razzaq, senior PCB officials, as well as the captains of the West Indies and South Africa Over 40s cricket teams were also in attendance.

The Senate Committee will continue its engagements on November 25 with a briefing and visit to the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) Karachi as part of its broader review of public sector institutions and national development projects.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025