The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized a deal with a private bank to rename Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The deal, valued at PKR 1 billion, grants the bank naming rights for five years. While the PCB has not officially announced this agreement, insiders confirm that the deal has been completed. Similar to the National Stadium in Karachi, which was renamed National Bank Cricket Arena, Gaddafi Stadium will also take on the bank’s name.
History of Gaddafi Stadium
Gaddafi Stadium, located in Lahore, was named after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 1974. The process of selling naming rights for cricket stadiums in Pakistan began in 2021 under the leadership of former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and ex-captain Ramiz Raja. During his tenure, the Karachi stadium’s naming rights were sold for PKR 450 million.
PCB’s Financial Strategy
Currently led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board aims to cover some of the renovation costs for three major stadiums in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 through deals like this. Naqvi also seeks to boost revenue to support domestic cricket, which is expected to benefit Pakistan cricket overall.
| Stadium Name | New Name | Deal Value |
|---|---|---|
| Gaddafi Stadium | To be named after the bank | PKR 1 billion |
| National Stadium | National Bank Cricket Arena | PKR 450 million |
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