Skip to main content

National Bank Cricket Arena

Karachi, Pakistan·34,228 capacity·Est. 1955
Balanced65 PSL matches hosted

About National Bank Cricket Arena

The National Bank Cricket Arena, formerly known as the National Stadium, is Pakistan's largest cricket ground and Karachi's cricketing fortress. Established in 1955, it is one of the oldest Test venues in Asia. The stadium was renamed in 2023 after a naming rights deal with National Bank of Pakistan. It has hosted more international matches than any other venue in Pakistan, including the historic 2019 Test comeback against Sri Lanka that marked the return of Test cricket to Pakistan. As the home of the Karachi Kings, the arena delivers a diverse, cosmopolitan crowd that reflects Karachi's multi-ethnic culture. Its balanced pitch offers something for both batsmen and bowlers, while the minimal dew factor compared to Lahore makes it a fair contest at the toss.

Also known as: National Stadium Karachi, NSK

Facilities

FloodlightsGiant LED ScoreboardVIP Boxes & Corporate EnclosuresMedia & Commentary BoxPlayers Gym & Practice NetsFood & Beverage StallsCovered GrandstandsFirst Aid StationsWheelchair-Accessible SeatingParking for 2,000+ vehicles

Pitch Report

BalancedDew: Low
Avg 1st Innings Score168
Avg 2nd Innings Score155
Pace Bowling Advantage
Spin Bowling Advantage

The National Bank Cricket Arena offers a balanced pitch that rewards both disciplines. Early pace and swing are common in the first six overs, while spinners extract turn as the innings progresses. The low dew factor means batting first is viable — teams defending here have a decent record. The pitch can slow down in the second innings.

Venue Records (PSL)

Highest Total

218/5

Peshawar Zalmi, 2024

Lowest Total

103/10

Quetta Gladiators, 2020

Highest Individual Score

114* (62)

Babar Azam, 2022

Best Bowling

5/19

Wahab Riaz, 2019

PSL 2026 Matches at National Bank Cricket Arena

Match 2 · GroupCompleted

Karachi Kings156/8 (20 ov)

Peshawar Zalmi178/5 (20 ov)

March 27, 20267:00 PM PKT

Peshawar Zalmi won by 22 runs

Match 7 · GroupUpcoming

Hyderabad Kingsmen

Rawalpindi Pindiz

March 30, 20267:00 PM PKT
Match 9 · GroupUpcoming

Peshawar Zalmi

Lahore Qalandars

April 1, 20262:00 PM PKT
Match 10 · GroupUpcoming

Karachi Kings

Multan Sultans

April 1, 20267:00 PM PKT
Match 12 · GroupUpcoming

Hyderabad Kingsmen

Quetta Gladiators

April 3, 20262:00 PM PKT
Match 14 · GroupUpcoming

Peshawar Zalmi

Karachi Kings

April 4, 20267:00 PM PKT
Match 18 · GroupUpcoming

Karachi Kings

Islamabad United

April 7, 20262:00 PM PKT
Match 20 · GroupUpcoming

Quetta Gladiators

Lahore Qalandars

April 8, 20267:00 PM PKT
Match 21 · GroupUpcoming

Hyderabad Kingsmen

Peshawar Zalmi

April 9, 20262:00 PM PKT
Match 25 · GroupUpcoming

Peshawar Zalmi

Quetta Gladiators

April 11, 20267:00 PM PKT
Match 27 · GroupUpcoming

Karachi Kings

Rawalpindi Pindiz

April 13, 20262:00 PM PKT
Match 29 · GroupUpcoming

Hyderabad Kingsmen

Islamabad United

April 14, 20262:00 PM PKT
Match 31 · GroupUpcoming

Peshawar Zalmi

Multan Sultans

April 15, 20267:00 PM PKT
Match 33 · GroupUpcoming

Karachi Kings

Hyderabad Kingsmen

April 16, 20267:00 PM PKT
Match 35 · GroupUpcoming

Peshawar Zalmi

Islamabad United

April 18, 20262:00 PM PKT
Match 38 · GroupUpcoming

Karachi Kings

Quetta Gladiators

April 19, 20267:00 PM PKT
Match 40 · GroupUpcoming

Hyderabad Kingsmen

Karachi Kings

April 21, 20267:00 PM PKT
Match 42 · EliminatorUpcoming

Multan Sultans

Peshawar Zalmi

April 28, 20267:00 PM PKT
View full PSL 2026 schedule →

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pitch does the National Bank Cricket Arena have?
The National Bank Cricket Arena has a balanced pitch that offers assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. Pace bowlers find early movement, while spinners get turn as the match progresses. The average first innings T20 score is around 168, making it a fair contest between bat and ball.
How do I buy PSL tickets for Karachi matches?
Tickets for PSL matches in Karachi are available through the PCB official website at pcb.com.pk/tickets. Prices range from PKR 500 for general stands to PKR 12,000 for VIP/corporate boxes. You can also purchase tickets from designated physical outlets in Karachi, usually announced before each match.
Which seats have the best view at the National Stadium Karachi?
The Quaid-e-Azam Enclosure and Imtiaz Ahmed Enclosure offer the best elevated, central views of the pitch. For a side-on view of the batting, choose seats in line with the pitch. The general enclosure behind the bowler's arm is the most atmospheric section.
How far is the National Bank Cricket Arena from Jinnah Airport?
The stadium is approximately 8 km from Jinnah International Airport, a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps (Careem, InDrive) charge around PKR 500-800 for the trip. On match days, plan for heavier traffic near the stadium area.
Is there food available inside the National Bank Cricket Arena?
Yes, there are food and beverage stalls throughout the stadium selling a variety of local and fast food. Options include biryani, BBQ, burgers, samosas, and chai. Bottled water is available at all vendor points. Outside food is not permitted inside the venue.

Other PSL Venues

Gaddafi Stadium

Lahore

27,000 seats

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Rawalpindi

15,000 seats

Multan Cricket Stadium

Multan

35,000 seats

Arbab Niaz Stadium

Peshawar

50,000 seats

Bugti Stadium

Quetta

20,000 seats