KARACHI: Pessimism has finally given way to optimism as the renovation work at the National Stadium — the country’s premier Test centre — for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final moved into full throttle this week.

It is the first phase of the overhaul, under the supervision of National Logistic Cells (NLC) Engineering Wing, and it is expected that at the end of it, the venue will be ready to stage the showpiece match of the country’s glitzy Twenty20 league on March 25.

While the third edition of the PSL springs into action with the opening ceremony in Dubai on Thursday night, it is the final at the National Stadium that has been the talk of the town with growing excitement amongst the fans of the game who are looking forward to seeing the game’s biggest stars in action for the first time since 2009.

Despite that, and the organisers having officially announced that the final will indeed be held in Karachi, apprehensions remain with rumours swirling that it might still be shifted to Lahore, the venue for the final in the last edition which stages two playoff fixtures this time around.

“We’re working at a nice pace and heading in the right direction to complete the first phase of work before the final,” project in-charge Lt Col Mohammad Sohaib told Dawn at his project office on Wednesday.

“A labour force of 250 and officials are working round the clock to ensure that we meet the deadline,” he added, quashing rumours that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might not be able to hold the PSL final at the venue.

The PCB awarded a Rs1.5billion contract to the NLC to complete the renovation and upgradation work in two phases.

“This is a colossal task but we’re working on a war footing to ensure we complete it,” Sohaib said.

From the stands, the field gives an imposing green look. But with construction work all around, dust and garbage is prevalent at the venue. National Stadium general manager Arshad Khan told Dawn that the floodlight towers have been repaired with the damaged lights having been replaced while the same has been done with the seats in the stands.

The renovation work began on November 4 and according to the deadline the first phase has to be completed within 120 days.

Sohaib informed that sand blasting of the rusted roof over all the enclosures has been completed with the application of a coat of primer. “As many as 160 trusses were dismantled from the roof during the process despite different hiccups,” he added.

The dressing rooms have also been completely overhauled with new floor tiles and sanitary fittings having been installed while the VIP Hospitality Boxes have also been refurbished.

“A brand new 1000kg lift has been imported from France and will be operational within a few weeks’ time,” Sohaib informed. “A brand new steel railing has already been fitted while work at public toilets is almost complete.”

The 32,000-capacity stadium has 15,000 seats in the general enclosure while the VIP enclosures named after the legendary Hanif Mohammad and Javed Miandad can accommodate 4300 spectators each.

Outside, the entrance is being improved with the roads leading up to it set to be carpeted while the Sindh Government has helped in removing the wild growth and bushes inside the premises to increase parking facilities for another 250 to 300 vehicles.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2018