The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to take administrative control of Hyderabad’s historic Niaz Stadium for 20 years under an agreement with the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC).
The PCB and HMC are due to sign the agreement on Tuesday, October 6. Under the arrangement, ownership of the stadium will remain with the municipal corporation, while the PCB will manage and operate the venue.
PCB to Upgrade Niaz Stadium
The agreement will give the PCB control over the stadium’s administration, commercial activities and broadcasting rights. The board will also carry out renovation and upgrading work to bring the venue closer to international standards.
According to HMC, the PCB will pay Rs10,000 in monthly rent. The corporation will also receive 20% of gate-ticket revenue from matches held at the stadium.
The planned improvements aim to make Niaz Stadium suitable for international cricket, first-class matches and Pakistan Super League (PSL) fixtures. The move could give Hyderabad a major cricket venue after years of limited activity.
[IMAGE: Historic Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad with cricket ground and stands]
Historic Venue Set for Revival
Niaz Stadium has a long association with Pakistan cricket. The venue was established in the late 1950s and hosted first-class cricket from the 1960s.
It staged its first Test between Pakistan and England during the 1972-73 season. The ground later hosted several Test matches, including the 1,000th Test in cricket history between Pakistan and New Zealand. It also hosted a 1987 World Cup match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The stadium’s international activity declined over the years as its facilities deteriorated. The PCB carried out upgrades before Pakistan played an ODI against Zimbabwe in January 2008.
The municipal authorities later took control of the ground in 2018 after ending the previous arrangement with the PCB. Niaz Stadium has since remained without regular top-level cricket.
Hyderabad’s Cricket Future
The latest agreement follows renewed efforts to restore Niaz Stadium. In February 2026, Hyderabad’s new PSL franchise unveiled its official name and logo at the stadium, bringing fresh attention to the historic venue.
The Sindh Assembly had also called for international cricket and PSL matches to return to Niaz Stadium. Earlier discussions between the PCB and Sindh government focused on upgrading the venue to international standards.
The 20-year arrangement now gives the PCB a long-term opportunity to rebuild the stadium and restore Hyderabad’s place on Pakistan’s major cricket map. The success of the plan will depend on the pace and scale of the promised redevelopment work.
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