The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hosted a grand reopening ceremony for the National Stadium Karachi on Tuesday. The event, held ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, featured top Pakistani celebrities and provided free entry for fans. All members of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad attended, including Babar Azam, who received the loudest cheers.
As Babar took the mic, fans erupted in chants of his name, forcing him to pause. Once the crowd settled, he expressed gratitude and urged Karachi fans to attend matches with the same enthusiasm.
Babar Azam Urges Karachi Fans to Attend Matches
During his speech, Babar Azam encouraged local supporters to show up for matches.
Babar expressed his frustration with the people of Karachi, saying, “I have a complaint—they don’t attend the matches. If they can show up for the opening ceremony, they should also support the games.”
His statement emphasized the importance of home crowd support, especially with Pakistan set to host international events.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Responds to Critics
At the event, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed critics who doubted the stadium upgrades in Karachi and Lahore.
“We win, you lose. This is for those who claimed we couldn’t complete the construction of this stadium. If we failed, you would have won. But by completing this project, we won, and you lose now,” Naqvi stated.
He thanked workers for their efforts and admitted that Karachi’s National Bank Stadium now looks better than Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Major Upgrades at National Stadium Karachi
Renovations at the stadium include:
- New pavilion with dressing rooms for players and officials.
- Upgraded hospitality rooms for a better viewing experience.
- Improved facilities to meet international standards.
The reopening took place ahead of Pakistan’s tri-series match against South Africa. Meanwhile, New Zealand has already secured a spot in the final after victories over both teams in Lahore.
With these upgrades, Pakistan is ready to host the Champions Trophy. The PCB hopes Karachi fans will fill the stands and support their team in crucial matches.
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