HYDERABAD: The agreement to place Hyderabad’s historic Niaz Stadium under the administrative control of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for 20 years is set to be signed today.
According to the proposed agreement, the signing ceremony will be held at Niaz Stadium, with the PCB taking full administrative control of the facility while ownership will remain with the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.
Under the proposed arrangement, the PCB will also receive the stadium’s commercial rights, including ticketing, sponsorships, advertising, broadcasting rights and parking.
Financial Terms
Under the financial terms of the agreement, the PCB will pay the municipal corporation a monthly rent of Rs10,000, payable in advance at the beginning of each year or earlier.
In addition, the municipal corporation will receive 20% of the PCB’s net profit from gate receipts generated through ticketed cricket matches held at the stadium.
Stadium to Receive Major Upgrades
The PCB will upgrade Niaz Stadium to international standards, with planned improvements including the pitch and outfield, floodlights, dressing rooms, spectator stands, hospitality boxes and parking facilities.
The board will also be responsible for the stadium’s maintenance and insurance under the proposed agreement.
The PCB will be authorized to host international, first-class and Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches at the venue.
The agreement also states that the board will make reasonable efforts to bring major cricket matches to Hyderabad, potentially increasing the city’s role in Pakistan’s domestic and international cricket calendar.
The PCB will further have the right to sub-license the stadium or any part of it to a franchise or third party, subject to the terms of the agreement.
The proposed 20-year arrangement is expected to provide a long-term framework for the development and commercial management of the historic venue while retaining its ownership with the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.