PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Hits Back at Critics After Successful Stadium Renovation

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has responded to social media criticism after the successful completion of renovations at Karachi and Lahore stadiums ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19.

For months, the PCB faced skepticism over whether it could complete the upgradation of Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in time. Delays, including the venue change for Pakistan’s Test match against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi last year and an extended renovation deadline, fueled doubts about the board’s ability to deliver on schedule.

However, the PCB ensured that the stadiums were fully ready to host the marquee event. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium recently staged two tri-nation matches—one between Pakistan and New Zealand and another featuring South Africa and the Blackcaps—showcasing the completed renovations.

During the inauguration of the newly renovated Karachi National Bank Stadium on Tuesday, Naqvi took the opportunity to respond to online critics who had doubted the PCB’s ability to finish the project on time.

“We win, you lose. This is for those who claimed on social media that we could not complete the construction of this stadium. If we failed to complete this, you would have won, and we would have been unsuccessful. However, by completing this [upgradation] project, we won, and you lose now,” Naqvi said, as quoted by Geo News.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the workers involved in the renovation and praised their dedication, stating, “I admit here that Karachi stadium would look better than Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.”

The Karachi stadium has undergone significant upgrades, including the construction of a new pavilion that now features state-of-the-art dressing rooms for players and match officials, as well as hospitality rooms for guests.

Several other enhancements have been made to improve both the playing conditions and the spectator experience at the venue. The first major test of these renovations will take place on Wednesday when Karachi’s National Bank Stadium hosts the ODI tri-nation series match between Pakistan and South Africa.