ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Federal capital Islamabad will soon get a cricket stadium as construction on the first-ever facility is going to start in the coming months.
In a recent meeting, the stakeholders deliberated on the proposed design of the project. During the meeting headed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials and consultants presented the concept design of the stadium.
The stadium will be constructed in the foothills of the Margalla Hills near Sector D-12.
The participants decided that the city’s first-ever stadium will have an open view of the Margallas with a seating capacity of around 32,000.
It was also decided that a large parking facility with space for 10,000 four-wheelers will be developed some one kilometre away from the stadium, for general public.
It is relevant to note here that the CDA and PCB want to replicate the Dubai Cricket Stadium model in Islamabad.
Cricket stadium to cost Rs8 billion
The CDA had already approved the PC-1 worth Rs12 billion. According to sources, after the revision of the concept design, the cost of the proposed project is now estimated at Rs8 billion.
Another meeting will be held next week on the subject, after which the CDA will be given the go-ahead to move forward with the tendering process. Once started, the entire project could be completed in two years.
It is worth mentioning that the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi is currently the only facility for hosting international matches in the twin cities.
However, residents of Rawalpindi, especially in areas adjoining to the stadium face severe traffic congestion and other issues during matches.
Even traders on Murree Road at Faizabad and Shamsabad face huge financial losses because of the forced closure of their businesses during international match days.
According to CDA officials, the proposed stadium will be a joint venture by the CDA and PCB. The new agreement is yet to be signed.
However, in the initial discussions between the two organisations last year, it was proposed that the PCB would complete the construction of the stadium within five years.
It was also decided that the CDA would allot 280 kanals of land for the project on a 99-year lease. Revenue generated from the facility would be divided between the PCB and CDA in a 70:30 ratio.
