The National Bank Stadium in Karachi is ready to host the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with a brand-new five-story building and major upgrades completed ahead of the tournament. The stadium will serve as one of the primary venues for the event, with its inauguration ceremony scheduled for February 11. Digital screens, LED lighting, and other modern features have been added to enhance the experience for fans and players alike.
Bilal Chauhan, Project Director, confirmed that all construction and renovation work, including the installation of facilities for ICC anti-corruption, anti-doping teams, and match officials, has been completed. The new building also houses rooms for physiotherapists and match officials, along with modern lifts and additional enclosures for VIPs and important personalities. Spectators will now benefit from 75 new washrooms, and despite ongoing construction, the stadium can seat 28,000 fans, with an extra 1,200 seats in the pavilion.
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However, the installation of a fence in front of the VVIP enclosures has sparked backlash on social media. Many criticized the fence for obstructing views, though the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) defended the move, citing security measures as the reason. Tickets for these VVIP enclosures are priced at PKR 20,000 for the upcoming Champions Trophy matches.
As part of the tournament, Pakistan will host 10 matches across three venues—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The event will feature eight teams divided into two groups, with Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in Group A, and Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia in Group B. If India qualifies for the final, originally scheduled for Lahore, it will be moved to Dubai.
The ICC Champions Trophy will run from February 19 to March 9, with the final scheduled to take place in Lahore, weather permitting.
