The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken over the administrative management of Hyderabad’s historic Niaz Stadium for 20 years, with plans to upgrade the venue to international standards. Chief Operating Officer Sumair Syed announced the revamp at a handover ceremony in Hyderabad.
Floodlights and international facilities promised
Sumair said Hyderabad would now be part of the country’s wider sporting calendar, with the PCB set to install international-standard facilities at the stadium.
“We intend to install floodlights, while all facilities required to meet international standards will be introduced,” he said.
Work will begin immediately on the ground and pitch. The aim is to make the venue fit for major domestic fixtures and, eventually, international cricket.
PSL matches on the horizon
The PCB official said the board would try to stage at least one Pakistan Super League match at Niaz Stadium during PSL 12, with several more games potentially held there in PSL 13.
He also announced a regional cricket academy in Hyderabad from January or February. The academy will employ coaches and physiotherapists to develop young cricketers from the region.
“First-class cricket will also be introduced here,” Sumair said, adding that regular matches would help restore the stadium’s atmosphere and standing.
Mayor hopes for return of glory days
Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Shoro said the city had produced several cricketers who represented Pakistan with distinction.
“This ground has been fortunate because Pakistan have never lost here,” Shoro said. He added that the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation had maintained the stadium despite limited resources and kept organising matches. “God willing, the stadium will regain its former glory.”
The deal’s terms
Under the agreement between the PCB and the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, the board will pay a monthly rent of Rs10,000, while the civic body will receive 20 percent of the stadium’s gate-ticket revenue. Ownership remains with the corporation; the PCB gets full administrative control, including commercial and broadcasting rights.
The contract obliges the PCB to bring the venue up to international standard so it can host international, first-class and PSL matches.
Niaz Stadium Hyderabad: PCB Revives a Venue with History
Established in 1959, Niaz Stadium holds around 15,000 spectators. It staged first-class cricket from 1962 and its first Test in the 1972-73 season, when Pakistan drew with England. Four more Tests followed, including the 1,000th Test in cricket history between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The ground also hosted a 1987 World Cup fixture between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which the home side won before a capacity crowd.
Poor facilities and accommodation problems gradually cost the venue its international status. Its last ODI came in the 1997-98 season. A PCB upgrade in 2007 cleared the way for a Pakistan-Zimbabwe ODI in January 2008, ending a decade without international cricket in Hyderabad.
The PCB then managed the ground for 11 years before the Qasimabad Municipal Committee revoked the agreement on April 2, 2018, and took it back.
What did the PCB announce for Niaz Stadium?
The board has taken over administrative control for 20 years and will install floodlights, upgrade the ground and pitch, launch a regional academy, and bring back first-class and PSL cricket.
Will Niaz Stadium host PSL matches?
The PCB aims to stage at least one PSL 12 match there, with several games planned for PSL 13.
What are the financial terms of the agreement?
The PCB will pay the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Rs10,000 a month in rent, while the corporation gets 20 percent of gate-ticket revenue. Ownership stays with the corporation.
When was the last international match at Niaz Stadium?
The last ODI was played in the 1997-98 season, though a Pakistan-Zimbabwe ODI in January 2008 followed a 2007 upgrade.
