Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad Gears Up for Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26

KARACHI: Former skipper Shahid Afridi conveyed his gratitude to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his swift response to the troubling state of the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad.

Afridi voiced his concerns on social media, highlighting the deteriorating conditions at one of Pakistan’s vital domestic cricket locations.

He emphasized issues such as damaged seating, unsanitary restroom facilities, and widespread neglect, questioning how these circumstances reflect the treatment of first-class cricketers, who are fundamental to Pakistan’s future in cricket.

“The facilities at Diamond Ground in Islamabad are in a shocking state. The broken chairs and unhygienic washrooms—is this how we are treating our first-class cricketers, who are the foundation of our future cricket? If the standards are like this at the top, what kind of message are we sending? It is embarrassing to see such neglect at the domestic level,” Afridi posted, tagging PCB Chairman Naqvi.

Following the legendary all-rounder’s post, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman of the Capital District Authority (CDA), responded promptly with updated images of the venue’s restrooms after renovations were completed.

“Renovation completed! @CDAthecapital is dedicated to enhancing all sports facilities. We will be adding more amenities,” Randhawa stated in response to Afridi’s post.

The former cricketer acknowledged Randhawa’s reply and commended PCB Chairman Naqvi for his immediate action.

“Excellent. Thank you, [Mohsin Naqvi],” Afridi posted, along with clapping emojis.

Notably, Diamond Ground is among the venues selected to host the ongoing 68th edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26.

Other significant venues include the Marghzar Cricket Ground in Islamabad, the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, and the Imran Khan Stadium in Peshawar.