LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to transfer operational control of the historic Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad, to the Kingsmen Group as part of an ambitious redevelopment plan aimed at modernizing one of the country’s oldest cricket venues.
The move, sources say, is intended to fast-track infrastructure upgrades and bring the ground up to international standards ahead of an expanded domestic and franchise calendar.
Discussions between the PCB and Kingsmen have been ongoing, though the process has experienced delays attributed to the busy schedule of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Hyderabad Kingsmen owner Fawad Sarwar has expressed confidence that, once the agreement is finalised, redevelopment work could be completed within four to six months. Under the proposed arrangement, the Kingsmen Group would assume full management and operational responsibility for the stadium.
The redevelopment blueprint includes comprehensive upgrades to playing surfaces and practice facilities, improvements to the outfield, modernised dressing rooms, enhanced lighting and broadcasting infrastructure, and upgraded hospitality and match day operations. The plan also envisions the construction of a five-star hotel and a high-performance centre in Hyderabad, facilities that organisers say will support both elite training needs and commercial sustainability.
