PCB to Take Over Major Stadium for 20 Years for PSL Upgrade

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to assume management of Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium for a period of 20 years, following an upcoming agreement with the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC). HMC anticipates receiving monthly rental payments of Rs. 10,000, while the PCB will be entitled to a 20% share of the stadium’s ticket revenue. Despite the transfer of control, HMC will retain ownership of the stadium. However, the PCB will assume full administrative responsibility, including commercial and broadcasting rights.

As part of the agreement, the PCB will be obligated to upgrade the stadium to meet international standards, enabling it to host international cricket matches, first-class fixtures, and PSL games. This development comes in the wake of increased focus on the stadium, which recently witnessed the unveiling of the seventh franchise’s name and logo for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in February 2026.

Niaz Stadium, established in 1959, has a seating capacity of around 15,000 spectators. Throughout its history, the venue has hosted five Test matches, including the 1,000th Test in cricket between Pakistan and New Zealand, as well as a Pakistan-Sri Lanka match during the 1987 World Cup. International cricket returned to Niaz Stadium in January 2008, when Pakistan faced Zimbabwe in an ODI following renovations by the PCB.

Previously, the PCB had managed the stadium for 11 years until the Qasimabad Municipal Committee terminated the arrangement and reclaimed control on April 2, 2018.