National Stadium, Karachi

National Stadium, officially known as the National Bank Stadium, is one of Pakistan’s principal international cricket venues and an important part of the country’s sporting history. Formally inaugurated in April 1955, it was developed under the supervision of civil engineers Kafiluddin Ahmed and Abdul Rasheed Khan, rather than architect Yahya Merchant.

The ground has hosted domestic and international cricket for decades, including Test matches, One Day Internationals, Twenty20 Internationals, Cricket World Cup fixtures, and matches during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. It is also the home venue of the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League and regularly hosts Pakistan’s national teams. The stadium has undergone several major renovations, including extensive work completed before the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. These improvements included a new pavilion at the University Road End, modern dressing rooms, media facilities, hospitality areas, upgraded seating, new LED floodlights, and digital replay screens. Following the renovation, the stadium’s seating capacity was reported at approximately 30,000 spectators, rather than 34,000. Further phases of upgrading were still being planned or evaluated in 2026, so its facilities and capacity may continue to change. The playing conditions vary between matches, while the enclosed stands and close views of the field can create an energetic atmosphere during well-attended fixtures.

Beyond its continuing role as a cricket ground, the National Bank Stadium remains closely linked with Pakistan’s sporting history. It hosted 1987 and 1996 Cricket World Cup matches and continues welcoming international fixtures and Pakistan Super League crowds each season.