PCB takes control of Niaz Stadium for 20 years

The board, however, will retain exclusive commercial rights over ticketing, hospitality, advertising, broadcasting and sponsorships.The PCB will also bear the entire cost of development and renovation, including work on the pitch, outfield, floodlights, pavilion, media facilities and spectator stands.Despite the fresh takeover, the return of major cricket to Hyderabad remains some distance away.

Syed said the PCB would try to bring PSL matches to Niaz Stadium by 2030, but only after the venue meets International Cricket Council (ICC) standards.The stadium's existing capacity of around 12,000 spectators will have to be increased to 20,000, while floodlights, and a media gallery will also have to be installed before it can host major international-level events, he said.Syed said the upgraded stadium would help promote domestic cricket….

He also announced plans to establish a regional cricket academy at the venue in January or February next year, with trials planned for Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 players.Mayor Shoro said the provincial government and HMC had undertaken renovation work at the stadium in recent years in response to public demand for its restoration.

"Citizens also want to see PSL matches at Niaz Stadium at the earliest," he said.Built in 1961, Niaz Stadium was named after the then commissioner of Hyderabad.

It hosted its last One-Day International on January 24, 2008, when Pakistan played Zimbabwe.

This is not the first time the PCB has been given control of the venue.

In 2007, then Hyderabad Mayor Kunwar Naveed Jamil had handed over the stadium to the board with similar objectives.

However, after no significant upgrade was carried out, the Municipal Committee Qasimabad took the facility back from the PCB.

PCB takes control of Niaz Stadium for 20 years Our Correspondent | Updated 17 minutes ago | Board says PSL matches may not come to Hyderabad until 2030.