PCB Poised to Take Control of Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium

In a significant development for cricket infrastructure in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to take complete control of the historic Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. This proposal, presented during the 74th meeting of the PCB’s Board of Governors (BoG), marks a move to upgrade the stadium to international standards and bring it back into the spotlight for hosting high-profile international matches. Remember that Faisalabad has not hosted any International cricket since 2008.

Chairing the meeting was Mohsin Naqvi, who emphasized the importance of reviving Iqbal Stadium, one of Pakistan’s iconic cricketing venues. The decision came after the BoG lauded the enthusiastic response from local fans attending the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup, which kicked off earlier in the day with an opening clash between Markhors and Panthers.

Acknowledging Faisalabad’s rich cricketing history, the BoG expressed strong support for restoring the stadium to its former glory. The statement issued by the PCB on this reads:

The BoG suggested that after witnessing the overwhelming response of the Faisalabad crowd, the PCB should take complete control of Iqbal Stadium and upgrade it to international standards, enabling the venue to be revived and host bilateral international series once again.

The PCB’s proposed takeover is seen as a step in ensuring the stadium meets international standards, a process that will involve significant upgrades to its infrastructure. This move is part of a broader strategy of the current PCB regime to enhance Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure, which the BoG also discussed in the meeting. Members expressed confidence that these initiatives will contribute to Pakistan’s growing image as a global cricketing nation.

Moreover, the BoG suggested incorporating the Champions Cup—a series that includes One Day, T20 and four-day formats—into the PCB Constitution, ensuring it becomes a permanent fixture in the domestic cricket calendar.

If the proposal is approved, Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium could once again host international bilateral series, making it a pivotal hub for cricket in Pakistan.