Islamabad is moving closer to getting its first dedicated international cricket stadium, with construction of the long-awaited project expected to begin soon. The proposed venue near Sector D-12 at the foothills of the Margalla Hills is planned with a seating capacity of 35,000 spectators, which would make it Pakistan’s largest cricket stadium by capacity.
The development is being pursued by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The project represents a major step in expanding Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure and would give the federal capital its own international-standard cricket venue rather than relying on the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for major matches.
Islamabad Cricket Stadium Construction Set to Begin
According to the latest developments, the CDA is preparing for the groundbreaking of the new Islamabad cricket stadium. An approach road has already been prepared at the project site ahead of the expected groundbreaking ceremony, indicating that the project is moving from the bidding stage towards physical construction.
The stadium will be located near D-12, overlooking the Margalla Hills. Earlier project plans indicated that approximately 50 acres would be allocated for the stadium within a proposed 175-acre Olympic Village development. The location is expected to provide the venue with a distinctive setting while creating a new sporting hub in the capital.
The proposed design is also intended to take inspiration from the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with officials previously highlighting the open views towards the Margallas as part of the project’s concept.
A Major Addition to Pakistan’s Cricket Infrastructure
The Islamabad cricket stadium has been under consideration for several years, but the project has moved significantly forward during 2026. In March, the CDA received technical bids from two joint ventures for the construction work. Both bidders subsequently progressed through the tender process, paving the way for financial evaluation and selection of a contractor.
In July, the Habib-ZKB-EA joint venture emerged as the successful bidder after submitting a bid of Rs8.9 billion for the construction work. The wider project was estimated at around Rs11.9 billion in the project documents. The bid included the stadium structure as well as associated external works and road infrastructure.
The project is being executed under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction model, with the contractor responsible for delivering the planned development according to the approved design and scope.
Islamabad Could Host ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Matches
The timing of the project could also be important for Pakistan’s future international cricket calendar. A PCB official told Dawn that Pakistan is scheduled to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, and Islamabad could potentially host some matches if the new stadium is completed by then.
Hosting international matches in the capital would represent a significant development for Pakistani cricket. Islamabad currently does not have a dedicated international cricket stadium, while the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has traditionally served as the main international venue for the twin cities.
A new stadium would therefore provide the PCB with another option for staging international fixtures, potentially reducing pressure on established venues in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
What the New Stadium Means for Islamabad
Beyond hosting cricket matches, the project could strengthen Islamabad’s position as a major sporting destination. A modern 35,000-seat venue would provide facilities for international and domestic cricket while potentially supporting major tournaments and other cricket-related events.
The stadium is also expected to improve the match-day experience for spectators by providing purpose-built facilities, dedicated infrastructure and improved access around the venue. Earlier plans included parking arrangements for thousands of vehicles, while associated road development is part of the wider construction scope.
For Pakistani cricket fans, the project is particularly significant because Islamabad has long lacked its own major international cricket venue. Once completed, the stadium could become one of the country’s most important cricket grounds.
As construction moves closer to officially beginning, attention will now turn to the project’s execution and completion timeline. If the development stays on schedule, Islamabad could soon have a stadium capable of hosting some of Pakistan’s biggest cricket occasions.
For Howzzat readers following Pakistan cricket, the new venue will be an important development to watch as the country continues investing in modern cricket infrastructure.
