Hyderabad’s historic Niaz Stadium is set for a major transformation after the Pakistan Cricket Board took control of the venue.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) have signed a 20-year memorandum of understanding. The agreement places the stadium under PCB management for redevelopment and professional operations.
However, cricket fans in Hyderabad may have to wait several years before watching Pakistan Super League action at the venue.
PCB Takes Charge of Niaz Stadium
The agreement was signed at Niaz Stadium by PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed and Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Ali Shoro.
The takeover comes around six months after Hyderabad’s Kingsmen made their debut in the 11th edition of the PSL.
Under the agreement, the PCB will pay Rs10,000 per month as rent to the HMC. The board will also share 20% of net gate-receipt profits with the municipal corporation.
However, the PCB will retain exclusive commercial rights at the stadium. These rights cover ticketing, hospitality, advertising, broadcasting and sponsorships.
What Changes Are Planned at Niaz Stadium?
The PCB will cover the complete cost of renovating and developing the venue. The planned work includes improvements to the pitch and outfield.
The project will also cover floodlights, the pavilion, media facilities and spectator stands. These upgrades aim to bring the ageing venue closer to international standards.
The stadium currently accommodates around 12,000 spectators. According to Syed, its capacity must increase to 20,000 before it can host major international-level events.
The venue will also require new floodlights and a media gallery. These improvements are necessary before the stadium can meet International Cricket Council (ICC) standards.
Could PSL Matches Return to Hyderabad by 2030?
Hyderabad cricket fans may still need patience despite the latest development. Syed said the PCB would try to bring PSL matches to Niaz Stadium by 2030.
However, that target depends on completing the required upgrades and meeting ICC standards. Therefore, the new agreement does not mean PSL matches will immediately return to the city.
Once upgraded, the stadium could also play a larger role in developing cricket in the region.
Regional Cricket Academy Planned
The PCB also plans to establish a regional cricket academy at Niaz Stadium. The academy could begin operations in January or February next year.
Trials are planned for young cricketers in the Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 age groups.
The initiative is expected to support the development of local talent. It could also give young players from the region greater access to organised cricket opportunities.
Syed said the upgraded stadium would help promote domestic cricket in the region.
Hyderabad Residents Want PSL Cricket Back
Mayor Shoro said the provincial government and HMC had carried out renovation work at the stadium in recent years.
Those efforts followed public demands to restore the historic venue. However, local cricket supporters continue to want major matches back in Hyderabad.
“Citizens also want to see PSL matches at Niaz Stadium at the earliest,” he said.
The latest agreement could therefore mark another attempt to restore Niaz Stadium as a major cricket venue.
Niaz Stadium Has Long Cricket History
Niaz Stadium was built in 1961 and named after the then commissioner of Hyderabad. The venue has hosted major cricket matches during its long history.
Its most recent One-Day International came on January 24, 2008. Pakistan played Zimbabwe in that match.
The latest agreement is also not the first time the PCB has taken control of the stadium.
In 2007, then Hyderabad Mayor Kunwar Naveed Jamil handed the venue to the PCB with similar redevelopment objectives.
However, significant upgrades did not materialise under that arrangement. Consequently, the Municipal Committee Qasimabad later took the facility back from the PCB.
The latest 20-year agreement now gives the PCB another opportunity to transform Niaz Stadium. For Hyderabad’s cricket fans, the bigger question is whether the promised upgrades can finally bring major matches back to the historic venue.
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