HYDERABAD — The historic Niaz Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad has been handed over to the Pakistan Cricket Board for a period of 20 years under an agreement signed with the city’s municipal corporation, in a move aimed at restoring the venue to international standards.
A memorandum of understanding on the transfer of the stadium’s management to the PCB was signed at a ceremony attended by PCB Chief Executive Officer Sameer Ahmed Syed and Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Shoro.
Modernisation and Expanded Capacity Planned
Speaking at the ceremony, CEO Sameer Ahmed Syed said Niaz Stadium would remain under the PCB’s management for the next two decades. Under the terms of the agreement, the ground will be modernised in line with international standards.
He said the stadium’s seating capacity would be increased and all necessary facilities would be provided to players, officials and spectators. A regional cricket academy would also be made operational at the venue to support domestic cricket.
- Management transferred to the PCB for 20 years
- Upgrades to meet international standards
- Increased seating capacity and improved facilities
- Regional cricket academy to serve domestic cricket
A Venue Steeped in Cricketing History
Niaz Stadium has hosted several historic cricketing moments. Legendary Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad scored an unbeaten 288-run innings at the venue, one of the standout performances of his career.
The ground also hosted the opening match of the first ICC World Cup held in the subcontinent, between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, cementing its place in the region’s sporting heritage.
The 20-year handover is expected to give the PCB the long-term mandate needed to carry out structural upgrades and revive top-level cricket at a venue that has long been central to the sport in Sindh.
