The national cricket governing body of Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the five-year naming rights of the National Stadium in Karachi.
Following this development, National Stadium in Karachi has been named the National Bank Cricket Arena.
Apart from the naming rights, the two parties involved will also team up to financial back initiatives to enhance grassroots cricket throughout Pakistan. In addition, this collaboration will also support PCB’s drive of scouting talent from rural parts of the country.
Speaking on the association, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja, said, “I want to welcome National Bank of Pakistan back in the PCB family after having supported Pakistan cricket in the past. NBP again partnering with the PCB is a great news as this reflects that prestigious organisations are willing to be associated with the Pakistan cricket brand as they see a lot of value in it for themselves.
“Additionally, I am grateful to the National Bank of Pakistan for also extending support to the PCB Pathways Programme. I have always emphasised on creating processes for the raw talent that can be professionally channelized into the national framework. In this background, this partnership with NBP is a significant movement in that direction.”
Commenting on the partnership, NBP President & CEO Rehmat Ali Hasnie, added, “We are delighted to partner with the Pakistan Cricket Board. The National Stadium, Karachi is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world and has hosted some of the legends of all eras since Test cricket was first played there.
“We are honoured to associate with such an incredible cricket venue, our endeavour during the next five years would be to help the PCB further uplift the venue while making contributions to Pakistan cricket across the country at the grass root level simultaneously.”
On the field, Pakistan has played one game so far, which they lost in a last-ball thriller against India on Sunday, October 23.