ISLAMABAD – Construction of a major cricket stadium near the Margalla Hills in Islamabad is expected to begin soon, with the proposed venue potentially hosting matches during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 if it is completed on schedule.
Officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) said preparations for Islamabad Cricket Stadium had advanced, with work under way on an access road leading to the proposed stadium site near Sector D-12. The groundbreaking ceremony is expected to take place in the coming days, subject to approval from the relevant authorities.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said Pakistan was expected to host the 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and that Islamabad could stage some of the tournament’s matches if the stadium became operational in time.
The proposed venue is planned to accommodate 35,000 spectators, which would make it the country’s largest cricket stadium. According to the PCB official, its design would be modelled on Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
A CDA official said the authority was developing an approach road connecting Margalla Road near D-12 to the construction site. The official added that the groundbreaking arrangements were largely complete and the authority was awaiting approval from the interior minister to proceed with the ceremony.
According to project officials, the first phase of construction is expected to take approximately one year to complete after work begins.
The project’s initial estimated cost under the PC-I was Rs11.9 billion. However, the CDA received a bid of Rs8.9 billion from a joint venture comprising Habib, ZKB and EA.
Of the quoted amount, Rs5.8 billion has been allocated for the three-tier stadium structure, while Rs3.1 billion covers external development, including three kilometres of three-plus-three-lane roads and associated infrastructure.
The proposed location falls within Zone III, where construction is generally restricted. However, the CDA maintains that sports and recreational facilities are permitted in the zone, making the stadium an allowable project under its interpretation of the applicable regulations.
A previous attempt to develop a cricket stadium at Shakarparian was abandoned after the Supreme Court intervened. Unlike that project, which involved land allocated to the PCB, the current stadium is being developed directly by the CDA.
Another possible location near Malpur in Zone I had also been considered, but the civic authority appears to have retained its preference for the D-12 site.
CDA officials said Chairman Sohail Ashraf and Member Environment Abdullah Khurram Niazi had been overseeing preparations for the project, with most pre-construction requirements completed.
The proposed stadium is expected to strengthen Islamabad’s sporting infrastructure and could provide Pakistan with another international cricket venue if the project is completed before the 2028 tournament.
