The federal capital is finally getting its own international cricket stadium with construction set to begin early next year at a rather scenic location.

 

According to reports, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to break ground on the stadium near Islamabad's D-12 sector in January or February 2026. 

 

The site sits at the foothills of the Margalla Hills, offering a picturesque backdrop for what will become the capital's first purpose-built cricketing venue.

 

“It's basically a very beautiful site and it's at the foothills of the Margalla Hills with the view of the Margalla… the crown of Islamabad… behind the cricket stadium,” CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa told a media outlet.

 

The project comes after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, during a panel discussion at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) roadshow in New York, announced plans to bring international cricket infrastructure to Islamabad.

 

The venue is expected to match the capacity of Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium with around 34,000 spectators and will meet international standards for hosting foreign teams.

 

Officials chose the D-12 location strategically to address traffic problems that have plagued cricket matches in neighbouring Rawalpindi. The stadium will connect directly to Iran Avenue, the motorway and Islamabad airport, which Randhawa said will resolve traffic congestion during matches.

 

The project marks a significant addition to Pakistan's cricket infrastructure as the country continues hosting international teams after a 6-year-long hiatus due to the 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.

 

The first match to mark the return of international cricket to Pakistan was played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in 2015.