Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), has stated that there are no plans to construct a cricket stadium in Islamabad, contrary to recent reports suggesting otherwise. Randhawa dismissed the speculation and stressed that the authority’s current priority is to expand and upgrade sports infrastructure across the federal capital.
According to the CDA chief, the development plan includes the establishment of 25 cricket grounds and 25 football grounds throughout Islamabad. This initiative, he said, is aimed at encouraging sports at the grassroots level and providing the city’s youth with quality facilities to nurture their talent.
Randhawa also revealed that former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif has been brought on board to assist in upgrading the cricket ground at F-9 Park. The involvement of an experienced professional, he added, would ensure that the grounds meet modern standards and provide young players with better opportunities to train.
While confirming that discussions have taken place with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the possibility of building a full-scale stadium in the future, Randhawa clarified that no final decision has been made. “Experts will determine the location if a stadium is to be constructed in the future,” he stated, emphasizing that such a project would only move forward after thorough technical assessments and feasibility studies.
Highlighting the CDA’s broader vision, Randhawa said that the pitches being developed in the new cricket grounds would be prepared to international standards. He added that the authority was fully committed to providing top-notch facilities not just for cricket, but for football and other sports as well, ensuring that Islamabad becomes a hub for healthy and recreational activities.
The clarification comes as a response to speculation in sections of the local media about a proposed cricket stadium. For now, the CDA’s immediate focus remains on grassroots sports development, with investments in multiple playing fields across the city rather than a single large-scale venue.
