PCB plans to rename Gaddafi Stadium

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to rename the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

This move follows the trend of renaming stadiums after corporate sponsors, as seen in the case of Karachi’s National Stadium.

According to board sources, the PCB has already issued a formal tender for renaming Gaddafi Stadium, and several sponsors have expressed interest. While the preliminary paperwork has been completed, the final approval is still pending.

The Gaddafi Stadium, originally known as Lahore Stadium, was named after Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi on March 19, 1972, after he delivered a speech in support of Pakistan’s right to pursue nuclear weapons.

An official said the renaming initiative is part of PCB’s broader plan to enhance and modernise the iconic venue, which has hosted numerous international cricket events.

The decision is also driven by the increasing trend of securing corporate sponsorship for major sports venues as a way to generate additional revenue for the sport’s development in Pakistan. The new name of the stadium will be revealed once all formalities are completed, the official said.