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PCB to sell Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium's naming rights to commercial companies

Soumyajit Dutta

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium [Source: @Ramz_004/X.com]Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium [Source: @Ramz_004/X.com]

In a recent visionary move by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the organization has decided to officially begin the process of renaming the historic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to boost commercial revenue. 

The board has reportedly released public tenders inviting private and commercial entities to purchase the stadium's naming rights. The initiative notably marks the first time Rawalpindi, or such an iconic venue, will be branded with a corporate sponsor's name, which also follows a modern trend of monetizing national sporting assets.

PCB eyes revenue flow with selling rights

PCB has moved forward with this decision as it is part of a broader policy to generate revenue from its cricket infrastructure across the country. For the unaware, the National Stadium in Karachi was the first and major venue to undergo this privatization and name change in a similar fashion. 

It is important to note that this policy of selling the naming rights of cricket grounds is part of a plan to earn more money, allowing the authorities to generate additional income from stadiums all over the country. 

It is not a surprising or historic move if seen in a global context, since sports arenas being branded by corporate sponsors is standard practice worldwide, and the PCB's step aligns with this international trend. Rawalpindi, which hosts major international tournaments and matches, now establishes its name in the list of grounds worldwide affiliated with corporate sponsors.

PCB to add significantly to its revenue with Rawalpindi deal

The Pakistan Cricket Board has a net worth of Rs 458 crore, as per a report from the Times of India, and the board could significantly increase its revenue by selling the rights of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

The earlier deal for Karachi's National Stadium, which was sold to the National Bank of Pakistan for a five-year deal worth 450 million PKR, was a significant income that PCB added to its treasury. Now, with Rawalpindi's stature in hosting international matches and domestic tournaments, PCB could similarly secure a high-value deal to generate funds and support its operations and development programs for the future.