HYDERABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to assume management of Hyderabad’s historic Niaz Stadium for 20 years under an agreement with the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC).
The PCB and HMC will sign the agreement on Tuesday, under which the cricket board will receive administrative control of the stadium while ownership of the venue will remain with the municipal corporation.
According to HMC, the PCB will pay a monthly rent of Rs10,000 and the civic body will receive 20% of the stadium’s gate-ticket revenue.
The agreement will also give the PCB control over commercial and broadcasting activities at the venue.
PCB plans major stadium upgrade
Under the long-term arrangement, the PCB will upgrade Niaz Stadium to international standards, allowing it to host international, first-class and Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.
The move is expected to help restore the historic venue’s position as one of Sindh’s major cricket grounds after years of limited international activity.
Niaz Stadium regained attention in February 2026 when the official name and logo of the seventh PSL franchise were unveiled during a ceremony held at the venue.
The new arrangement is aimed at improving the stadium’s facilities and creating a suitable venue for major domestic and international cricket.
Niaz Stadium’s rich cricket history
Established in 1959, Niaz Stadium has a capacity of around 15,000 spectators and hosted first-class cricket for the first time in 1962.
The ground staged its first Test during the 1972-73 season, when Pakistan drew against England.
It later hosted four more Test matches, including the historic 1,000th Test in cricket history between Pakistan and New Zealand.
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Niaz Stadium also hosted a 1987 World Cup match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Pakistan won the contest in front of a capacity crowd.
The venue subsequently lost much of its international prominence due to inadequate facilities and accommodation issues.
Its last ODI before a lengthy gap was played during the 1997-98 season. The PCB upgraded the stadium’s facilities in 2007, paving the way for an ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in January 2008.
That match ended a decade-long wait for international cricket to return to Hyderabad.
Stadium control changed hands in 2018
The PCB remained involved in managing the venue for 11 years before the Qasimabad Municipal Committee revoked its memorandum of understanding on April 2, 2018, and took back control of the stadium.
The latest 20-year agreement will once again place the venue under PCB management, with the board expected to undertake the upgrades required to bring Niaz Stadium back to international standards.
The development could provide Hyderabad with a renewed opportunity to host major cricket events and strengthen the city’s role in Pakistan’s domestic and international cricket landscape.
