ISLAMABAD: The race to construct Islamabad’s first international cricket stadium has intensified after two joint ventures submitted their technical bids to the Capital Development Authority for the landmark project planned near Sector D Twelve at the foothills of the Margalla Hills. The civic agency is moving ahead with the long awaited project aimed at giving the federal capital a modern venue capable of hosting international cricket matches.
According to officials, the competing bidders include a joint venture of Habib Construction Company with ZKB Engineers and EA Consulting, and another consortium comprising Lemar Builders with BK Consultants Private Limited. Both ventures submitted their technical proposals within the stipulated deadline under the Engineering Procurement and Construction model, which requires bidders to present design concepts along with construction plans.
The Rs11.4 billion project marks one of the most ambitious sports infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the CDA in recent years. After completing the technical evaluation phase, the authority will invite financial bids from the qualifying firms before awarding the final contract for the stadium’s construction.
The proposed stadium will be developed on nearly 50 acres of land within a planned Olympic Village spread across about 175 acres in the scenic Margalla foothills. Preliminary plans suggest the facility will accommodate around 32,000 spectators and provide parking space for approximately 10,000 vehicles at a designated area nearly one kilometre from the main venue.
Officials said the stadium design aims to replicate the modern model of Dubai’s international cricket stadium while offering an open and panoramic view of the Margalla Hills. The project is being pursued in collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board to transform Islamabad into a major cricket destination.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board has sought clarification from the CDA regarding the exact location and layout plan of the project site. The board wants to ensure that the stadium does not fall within the protected boundaries or buffer zone of Margalla Hills National Park, stressing that any development near the park must comply with environmental and wildlife protection regulations.
