Key Takeaways
- The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved the construction of Islamabad's first cricket stadium.
- The project, a replica of Dubai International Stadium, will accommodate 35,000 spectators.
- Habib Construction Service and ZKB-EA have submitted the lowest bid for Rs8.9 billion.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has given the green light to construct Islamabad’s first cricket stadium, a significant milestone in the city's sports infrastructure development.
Scheduled to be built near D-12 at the foothills of the Margallas in Zone III, the stadium will serve as a replica of Dubai International Stadium and is expected to hold 35,000 spectators.
The project has already opened financial bids, with a joint venture between Habib Construction Service and ZKB-EA submitting the lowest bid of Rs8.9 billion for structural work, including a three-kilometre road network.
According to CDA Member Environment Abdullah Khurram Niazi, who chaired the consultative meeting, the project is part of a 175-acre Olympic Village plan, with nearly 50 acres reserved specifically for the stadium.
The proposed site lies outside Margalla Hills National Park but falls within Zone III, where construction changes are restricted to recreation, conservation, and preservation projects. The CDA spokesperson confirmed that the cricket stadium falls under the recreation category.
While the federal cabinet is still considering proposals related to hotels and commercial areas linked to the project, officials have stated that no final decision has been made on the proposed motel site near the sports complex.
The CDA board had previously approved the idea of adding a hotel for player accommodation as part of the overall plan. The spokesperson added that several motels already exist in the area and that the issue of public land and construction in Zone III remains under discussion, with no final settlement reached yet.
Despite the ongoing discussions, the CDA is optimistic about the project's progress, emphasizing that it aligns with the city’s broader development goals. The authority has directed the consultant to complete the rate reasonableness process so work orders can be issued promptly.
