Islamabad, Pakistan – Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has clarified that there are currently no immediate plans to construct a new cricket stadium in Islamabad, putting to rest recent speculation that sparked strong public reaction. Instead, the CDA’s focus will be on developing multiple sports grounds across the federal capital to promote cricket, football, and other sporting activities at the grassroots level.

No Immediate Cricket Stadium Project

In an interview with Geo News, Randhawa categorically stated that while discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have taken place, the CDA has not finalized any decision regarding the construction of a cricket stadium.

He explained that technical consultations are ongoing, and any such project will require expert assessments on location, feasibility, and long-term sustainability before moving forward. “At present, the priority is not a stadium but improving the overall sporting infrastructure in Islamabad,” Randhawa emphasized.

Investment in Grounds, Not Stadiums

Highlighting the Authority’s new approach, the CDA Chairman revealed that the plan is to construct 25 cricket grounds and 25 football grounds across Islamabad. These grounds, he said, will not only encourage youth participation in sports but will also address the city’s shortage of quality playing facilities.

He admitted that most cricket grounds in Islamabad are in poor condition, with pitches not meeting acceptable standards. “We intend to upgrade pitches and facilities to international quality so that young cricketers in Islamabad can train and play on surfaces that prepare them for higher-level competitions,” he explained.

Collaboration with Experts and Former Players

Randhawa also noted that the CDA is actively seeking input from sports experts and former cricketers to ensure the right strategy for sports development. One such collaboration is already underway with former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, who has been assisting in the upgradation of grounds at F-9 Park.

The Chairman explained that this partnership would ensure modern design, efficient drainage systems, and improved turf quality, which have long been neglected in the capital’s sports infrastructure. “Islamabad has enormous potential for nurturing cricketing and football talent. We just need to give the youth the proper facilities,” he added.

Clarification on F-9 Park Stadium Controversy

Earlier reports in the media had suggested that CDA was planning to build a cricket stadium inside F-9 Park, one of Islamabad’s largest green spaces. The reports triggered backlash from environmentalists, civil society, and local residents, who expressed concern that construction would disrupt the park’s ecology and violate its intended purpose as a recreational space.

Responding to these concerns, Randhawa issued a strong clarification: “There is no plan to build a new stadium inside F-9 Park.” He stressed that the CDA remains committed to preserving Islamabad’s green character and that sports facilities will be developed in ways that complement rather than compromise the environment.

Cricket in Islamabad: The Current Reality

Unlike cities such as Lahore and Karachi, Islamabad does not have a world-class cricket stadium. Matches involving Pakistan’s national team or major international tours are often held in Rawalpindi, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which has long served as the primary venue for the twin cities.

Although proposals for an Islamabad stadium have been floated in the past, none have materialized due to budget constraints, land availability issues, and public resistance to encroaching on green spaces. For now, the city’s cricket enthusiasts rely on scattered community grounds, many of which lack proper facilities such as seating, floodlights, or international-standard pitches.

Randhawa acknowledged this shortcoming and reiterated that CDA’s immediate priority is quality, not grandeur. “We want the city’s existing players and young aspirants to have access to good facilities before we think of investing billions in a stadium,” he said.

Broader Vision for Sports Development

The CDA’s revised sports policy is not limited to cricket. By planning an equal number of football grounds, the Authority is recognizing the growing popularity of football among the city’s youth.

Randhawa believes that providing diverse sporting facilities will also help reduce the city’s reliance on informal and unsafe playing areas, such as vacant plots or roadside grounds. The initiative aims to promote health, community engagement, and youth empowerment through organized sports.

Public Expectations and Future Possibilities

While the clarification has cooled speculation, many sports fans in Islamabad still hope that the capital will one day host its own international-standard cricket stadium. The presence of such a facility, they argue, would not only boost cricket but also put Islamabad on the global sporting map, attracting international teams, tournaments, and fans.

Randhawa did not rule out the possibility altogether, suggesting that once expert consultations are complete, a suitable location could be identified in the future. However, he maintained that any such project would be long-term and only after Islamabad’s basic sports infrastructure had been fully developed.

Conclusion

The CDA’s announcement marks a shift in strategy—from the headline-grabbing idea of building a grand stadium to the practical development of grassroots facilities. For now, Islamabad’s young cricketers and footballers can look forward to better pitches, more grounds, and improved opportunities to train and play.

Whether or not a cricket stadium eventually comes to the federal capital, the Authority’s current focus on broad-based sports development reflects a more sustainable and inclusive approach to nurturing talent and promoting healthy lifestyles in the city.