The official design for Islamabad’s proposed cricket stadium has been unveiled as the venue is set to become Pakistan's largest cricket ground. The stadium will accommodate 35,000 spectators and sit near Sector D-12 at the foothills of the Margalla Hills.
A joint venture between Habib, ZKB, and EA submitted a bid of Rs. 8.9 billion for the project, which has an estimated total cost of Rs. 11.9 billion. Of the total budget, Rs. 5.8 billion is earmarked for the three-tier stadium structure while Rs. 3.1 billion will fund external development.
External infrastructure works include approximately three kilometres of six-lane roads. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has already begun building an approach road from Margalla Road near D-12 to the site.
Construction of the first phase is expected to finish within one year of starting work. A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official stated that the stadium would resemble Dubai Cricket Stadium.
The same official noted that Islamabad could host matches of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 if the venue is finished on time. The selected site is located within Zone III of Islamabad, where construction is generally prohibited except for sports and recreational facilities, according to CDA officials.
CDA officials said preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony are nearly complete, though the authority is awaiting approval from the interior minister to formally launch the project.
