HYDERABAD: After Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stopped the construction of unauthorized sports courts at Niaz Stadium, the provincial government has decided to carry out the extension of historic cricket venue Niaz Stadium in consultation with Pakistan Cricket Board.
Commissioner Hyderabad Muhammad Abbas Baloch said that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah contacted with high ups of Pakistan Cricket Board to seek consultation so that lost glory of the historic stadium could be restored at the earliest.
He said that provincial government fully committed to expanding seating capacity of the stadium with repair and renovation of stands so that the venue could host the international T-20, ODI and Test matches as well as the matches of Pakistan Super League.
He maintained that alternate space would be provided for the establishment of Squash Court and Tennis Court and the premises of the Niaz Stadium would be utilized only for the extension of the historic cricket venue.
It may be noted that Sindh sports board had started construction of the tennis courts for Rs. 20 million and squash court for Rs. 65 million.
Entrance gate of Niaz Stadium Hyderabad for spectators
According to the inquiry report, the construction was started in the parking area of Niaz Stadium without any permission; therefore construction work has been stopped. The Commissioner Hyderabad has proposed that funds earmarked for these ongoing schemes may be diverted for rehabilitation of Niaz Stadium in order to make the ground worthy of holding international matches.
Niaz Stadium was established in November 1961 by then commissioner Hyderabad Niaz Ahmed. The inaugural first-class match was played here between South Zone and Pakistan Education Board on March 16-18, 1962.– Agencies
