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WATCH: Fans climb walls to get inside National Stadium in Karachi to watch the unveiling ceremony

Cricket fans scale the walls of National Stadium in Karachi as the Pakistani national team and huge ensemble cast of big name singers were part of the unveiling ceremony on Tuesday

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Ashwin
New Update
Fans climb walls to watch unveiling ceremony of new National Stadium in Karachi

Karachi Stadium Photograph: (X)

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held an unveiling ceremony for the newly upgraded National Stadium in Karachi on Tuesday. Pakistan will face off against New Zealand in the first match of the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament at the venue on 19th February. The stadium is also set to host South Africa’s matches against Afghanistan and England. 

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Social media was abuzz with videos of the opening ceremony held on Tuesday. One such video showed fans going through extreme lengths to get into the stadium. A huge number of fans were seen scaling the back walls of the stadium and hopping over the railings. The huge crowd could be seen rushing to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars who were speaking during the unveiling. 

The stadium was reportedly revamped in just four months with the latest facilities. According to a report carried by The Tribune, over 350 LED lights were installed in a bid to improve the vision and also for broadcast purposes. Apart from this, the seating has also been improved, along with the replay screen, which has been upgraded. 

Mohsin Naqvi salutes workers after upgrade of Karachi Stadium

Speaking during the event, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said, “Salute to the greatness of the workers. The incredible workforce behind this transformation deserves immense appreciation. Their hard work has made it possible for us to proudly present the National Bank Stadium as a world-class venue, ready to welcome top cricketing action."

The PCB chief also said, “It's your right to watch the match. Every worker is our hero, who turned the dream into a reality. I thank everyone." To make the evening more special, singers like Ali Zafar and Shafaqat Amanat Ali Khan performed in a special event. 

Karachi will first host the tri-series group match between Pakistan and South Africa on Wednesday. This will be followed by the finals, which are to be played on Friday at the same venue. The winners from Wednesday’s match will face New Zealand in the finals. Mitchell Santner’s side had already reached the finale after their wins over Pakistan and South Africa in the group phases. 

Pakistan