Karachi, Jan. 4 : The National Stadium of Karachi (NSK) could soon be getting a major face lift which would put the stadium on the list of some of the world's classiest cricket arenas, such as Lord's and the Melbourne Cricket Stadium (MCG).

The Director General of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Javed Miandad, with a dream to change the face of the National Stadium (NSK), has ordered renovation work at the NSK.

"My dream is to transform the National Stadium into a cricket facility that is second to none. National Stadium is one of our major Test centres and I want it to look as good as Lord's or the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)," The News quoted Miandad, as saying.

Miandad said he has fond memories of the NSK, and being his home ground, he is pledged to work for its upliftment.

Stating that security was a major concern these days, he said that shops and offices adjacent to the stadium would be closed down, as they are considered a security hazard.

"According to the security guidelines given to us by the International Cricket Council (ICC), we can't have unconcerned units connected to our Test centres .That is why we have asked shops and offices to relocate from the National Stadium as soon as possible," Miandad said.

Worried by a series of tour cancellations last year , he said: " It is very important for the National Stadium to become a secure facility otherwise it might not get Tests or One-day Internationals in the future."

Miandad hoped that NSK would ready with its new look before the series opener against Sri Lanka in February.

Inaugurated in 1955, the National stadium of Karachi hosted its maiden first-class match between India and Pakistan from April 21-24, 1955. The first one-dayer at the stadium was between Pakistan and West Indies on November 21, 1980. (ANI)