The announcement has sparked a wave of excitement among cricket enthusiasts across the city — yet beneath the euphoria lies a deep sense of disappointment and frustration. The very venue once hailed as a cradle of cricketing glory now stands as a picture of neglect and decay, having seen no meaningful renovation or upgrade in over two decades.
Despite generating millions of rupees in annual revenue, Iqbal Stadium presents a dismal sight. Nearly 90 percent of the spectator stands still lack proper seating, compelling fans to perch uncomfortably on bare concrete terraces under the open sky — as the stands remain completely without roofing or shade.
Surprisingly, the Iqbal Stadium does not fall under the control of the Punjab government, the Punjab Sports Board, or even the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Instead, it is run by the Iqbal Stadium Management Committee (ISMC) — a nine-member body consisting of government officials and local businessmen.
Documents obtained by a local citizen, Naeem Khan, under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, reveal that the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), who serves as the ISMC secretary, confirmed that the committee earns over Rs63 million annually, with recorded expenditures of just Rs30.9 million.
Covering an area of 36 kanals and 15 marlas, the stadium complex houses over 100 commercial shops, offices, restaurants, and leisure outlets — yet the income generated from these establishments flows directly into ISMC’s private account, bypassing the provincial treasury altogether.
The documents further disclosed that during the Champions Cricket Cup 2024, the ISMC did not contribute a single rupee towards event arrangements. The PCB, on the other hand, earned Rs15 million in gate receipts, while the Punjab government bore Rs35 million in security and logistical expenses from the public purse.
Cricket fans and civic activists have voiced strong demands for the Punjab government to transfer the stadium’s management to the PCB, hoping that under professional stewardship it could be revived and upgraded to the standards of Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the South African team’s arrival on Sunday, all main routes from Faisalabad Airport to the city were sealed, and tight security measures were enforced to ensure the safety of players and officials.
Once a symbol of Faisalabad’s pride, Iqbal Stadium now stands at a crossroads — poised between its neglected past and the promise of renewal. Whether this return of international cricket marks a new dawn or a fleeting moment of nostalgia remains to be seen.
