A five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the naming rights of one of the nation’s most recognizable Test grounds, the National Stadium in Karachi, has been signed by the Pakistan Cricket Board and National Bank of Pakistan. The location will henceforth be referred to as the National Bank Cricket Arena.
In addition to the naming rights agreement, the PCB and NBP will work together and sponsor programs to promote and grow grassroots cricket throughout the nation, including assisting the PCB’s efforts to identify indigenous talent in Pakistan’s rural areas.
Ramiz Raja, chairman of the PCB, said: “I would want to welcome the National Bank of Pakistan back into the PCB family after they previously sponsored Pakistan cricket. The announcement that NBP is once again partnering with the PCB is fantastic news because it shows that esteemed organizations are eager to be connected with the Pakistan cricket brand because they perceive significant value in doing so.
“I also want to express my gratitude to the National Bank of Pakistan for supporting the PCB Pathways Program. I have always placed a strong focus on developing systems that allow the untapped ability to be professionally channeled into the framework of the country. In light of the foregoing, this relationship with NBP represents a noteworthy step in that direction.
Rehmat Ali Hasnie, President & CEO of NBP, stated: “We are thrilled to cooperate with the Pakistan Cricket Board. Since Test cricket was first played there, one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world, the National Stadium in Karachi, has played host to many luminaries from all ages.
“We are honored to be associated with such a fantastic cricket venue. Our endeavor over the next five years will be to assist the PCB in further improving the venue while simultaneously making contributions to Pakistan cricket at all levels throughout the nation.”
The National Bank of Pakistan will be permitted, in accordance with the MoU, to utilize the venue’s name and signage outside the playing area.