New Islamabad cricket stadium in foothills of Margalla Hills to include on-site hotel for players

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Islamabad is set to get its first purpose-built cricket stadium, bringing top-level cricket to the capital for the first time.

So far, Islamabad has never had an international-standard stadium, with major matches being held in Rawalpindi, Lahore, or Karachi.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to build the stadium near D-12 sector, close to the Margalla Hills. The location is designed to avoid traffic problems that often occur during matches in Rawalpindi.

The project will include an on-site hotel for players, reducing travel through city roads and easing security and traffic pressures. CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the stadium will be connected to the motorway and airport, making access easier for everyone.

CDA has officially unveiled an ambitious plan to build a modern international cricket stadium in Islamabad, estimating a massive development cost of Rs 12 billion. The project aims to give the capital a landmark sporting venue inspired by some of the world’s most iconic cricket stadiums. 

A cricket Stadium Inspired by Dubai International Stadium 

As per official documents, the architectural design of the Islamabad new cricket stadium is selected after getting inspiration from the world’s best cricket venues, such as the Dubai International Stadium, which is highly prominent for its state-of-the-art lighting and modern architecture. CDA hopes to copy that level of elegance and style while making it aligned with the Islamabad’s environment and culture. 

The location of the stadium will be near Sector D-12, right at the base of the Margalla Hills, and will offer a stunning natural backdrop. This placement not only gives Islamabad a scenic sports destination but also make sure easy access for residents across the city. 

Read more: Renovation at Karachi, Oval-style revamp in Lahore, new stadium in Islamabad and PSL in Muzaffarabad

Seating for 25,000 Fans With a Premium Experience 

The proposed stadium will feature a three-tier structure with a 25,000-spectator capacity: 

• Lower tier: General seating for the public 

• Middle tier: VIP and premium lounges 

• Upper tier: Shaded seating designed for maximum comfort, even on hot days 

The playing field will have a 148-meter pitch diameter, which meets international cricket standards. CDA officials say the design focuses on smooth crowd movement, clear visibility from every seat, and an enhanced match-day experience for fans. 

Ring of Fire Lighting System Plan For New Islamabad stadium’s roof

One of the most stunning and standout features under review is the Ring of Fire LED lighting system, similar to the one in Dubai. Instead of tall floodlight towers, LED lights are mounted around the stadium roof. 

This setup provides: 

• Uniform lighting across the field 

• Fewer shadows 

• Better visibility for players and spectators 

• A cleaner, more modern stadium skyline 

MUSCO Sports Lighting, which is used in elite stadiums globally, has been selected as the performance benchmark. 

Modern Roofing Options for New Cricket Stadium Under Study 

The CDA is currently comparing several roofing styles, including: 

• Tensile fabric designs like the Melbourne Cricket Ground 

• Steel and polycarbonate semi-transparent roofs similar to Lord’s and the Sydney Cricket Ground 

• Retractable roofs inspired by Wembley and Marvel Stadium 

The final choice depends solely on Islamabad’s climate, durability, and maintenance considerations. 

The CDA keeps on believing that this stadium is all ready to be a major architectural and sporting landmark, strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to host international cricket events. There would be the Margalla Hills at its backdrop, which will further enhance its beauty and make it one of the most iconic destinations in the capital, uniting sports, tourism, and modern design in a single centerpiece.