Move for Islamabad stadium premature: PCB chief

Islamabad, Nov 27: PCB chairman Lt-Gen Tauqir Zia has termed a Islamabad Club Cricket Committee's (ICCC) move for constructing cricket stadium within the Fatima Jinnah Park as premature needing clarifications.

Gen Tauqir who was the chief guest at the launching ceremony requested ICCC's convener Shahid Rafi and incharge sports IC Brig Waqar Ahmed Khan Durrani to coordinate with PCB advisory council member Yawar Saeed on a list of issues related to the construction of the stadia.

Gen Tauqir did not hide his astonishment over the ambitious project unveiled through a joint presentation by Shahid Rafi and NESPAK representative, the company which is also working with the cricket board over enhancement of capacity at various grounds.

The general made it clear that he was looking for an alternative to the Pindi Cricket Stadium where the seating capacity of 20,000 was not enough for international events. But, even if this particular project gets approval then 20,000seating capacity will not be an answer to what PCB's requirements are. Moreover, Islamabad Cricket Association has a piece of land allocated for the purpose of building a cricket stadium. Besides, we also don't want to see similar situation where the custodians of the stadia, giving the example of Rawalpindi administration, do not allow cricket teams inside.

The Fatima Jinnah Park covers an area of 750 acres. Most of the area is undeveloped.

Unveiling the ambitious project it was stated that it will have four green stands and two concrete stands apart from the pavilion having VIP gallery of 500 people, players enclosures, media unit etc.

The ground has a central square where seven pitches have been prepared. One of the salient features of the stadium will be the indoor practice areas with two pitches, residential facilities for about twenty trainees, audio/video library, lecture rooms, dinning hall.