The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has invited tenders to sell or retain naming rights for Qaddafi Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium, with submissions open until the end of March.
According to PCB advertisements, the naming rights will be awarded to the highest bidder, who can submit proposals along with their suggested new stadium name and bid amount.
Interested parties must submit proposals for Qaddafi Stadium by 24 March, while submissions for Multan Cricket Stadium will remain open until 30 March.
Revenue Generation
PCB officials stated that the auction aims to increase board revenue, allowing bidders to suggest appropriate names while keeping the original stadium name intact if desired.
The board retains the authority to review and approve the proposed names before finalisation, ensuring suitability and compliance with regulations for both Lahore and Multan stadiums.
This follows the earlier renaming of the National Stadium in Karachi as National Bank Cricket Arena in 2022 under a five-year sponsorship deal with the National Bank of Pakistan.
Similarly, Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar has been renamed as Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, reflecting a recent trend of corporate or notable individual involvement in stadium naming rights.
Historical Context of Qaddafi Stadium
Qaddafi Stadium, constructed in 1959 in Lahore was designed by prominent architect Nasiruddin Murad Khan to host domestic and international cricket competitions.
The stadium received its name in 1974 when Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi visited Pakistan, addressing a public gathering, prompting Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to name the venue in his honor.
