TOP CRICKET GROUNDS IN PAKISTAN
Here are 10 of the top cricket grounds in Pakistan:
- National Stadium, Karachi
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar
- Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
- Bugti Stadium, Quetta
- Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot
- Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad
- Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala
All PSL 5 Matches Will be Played in Pakistan, PCB Confirms
A moment to rejoice for all the Pakistani fans as the fifth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be played entirely on home soil.
This news was confirmed by the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ehsan Mani on Thursday at Gadaffi Stadium.
Mani added that four stadiums have been shortlisted to host the PSL 5 games, which include Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan.
He further added that PCB is aiming to host the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Pakistan as well.
Despite the refusal to play cricket in Pakistan, Australian Board along with English board have both been invited to Pakistan to review the security and conditions. Ehsan claimed that he hopes to convince both boards to play a series in Pakistan as well.
Lastly, Mani claimed that Asia Cup rights have also been given to Pakistan and hopes that all teams agree to participate including India.
Ehsan Mani claimed that 85 percent of all the tasks on his agenda have been achieved and he is now working solely on reviving international cricket in Pakistan and improving the domestic circuit.
All six Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have agreed to play the domestic competition in Pakistan, according to the latest reports.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held a meeting with the franchise owners and reassured them over safeguarding their interests.
The meeting, held on Monday, concluded that PSL 2020 will be held in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
The complete breakdown of matches being hosted by each city is as follows:
| Venue | Capacity | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore | 27,000 | 13 |
| National Stadium, Karachi | 35,000 | 9 |
| Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 28,000 | 8 |
| Multan Cricket Stadium | 35,000 | 4 |
The opening ceremony of PSL 2020 will be held in Karachi whereas the final of PSL 5 will be played at Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore.
Lahore is also going to host the playoff games for the 5th edition of the PSL.
In addition to that, the board and franchises also agreed to revisit the financial model of the PSL to chalk out a beneficial system for both parties involved.
The next edition of the PSL is expected to start from 20th February and further details regarding the event will be discussed in the next meeting, the date of which is yet to be finalized.
Rawalpindi and Multan Stadium Will be Renovated to Host PSL Matches: PCB Chairman
Following the successful hosting of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019 matches, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Prime Minister Imran Khan are hopeful to organize the entire league in Pakistan in 2020.
If that is the case, the matches can only be held at two venues i.e. Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and National Stadium Karachi considering these are high-profile fixtures.
In response to a question regarding the possible venues for the PSL 2020, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani told the media that renovation works are being done at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium.
He further said that PCB has spent Rs. 100 million on Rawalpindi Stadium in the previous year and it will be ready for hosting PSL matches by June/July this year. Multan Stadium is also capable of hosting international matches after some upgrading, Mani said in a press conference.
Full-houses in National Stadium Karachi were proof that PSL needs to come home for cricket-deprived fans. The atmosphere was nothing short of electric and we can hope to see more of it in the next season of PSL.
FIVE IDEAL STADIUMS TO HOST PSL MATCHES IN PAKISTAN
Pakistan’s biggest T20 extravaganza PSL is around the corner and it’s quite unfortunate that it’s not taking place in Pakistan. But its hope that runs cricket in Pakistan, so were are hopeful that one day cricket will actually come back home. In order to celebrate some of the most remarkable cricket venues in Pakistan we are listing five significant cricket stadiums in Pakistan which can be ideal venues to host PSL games.
Ayub National Stadium, Quetta
Ayyub National Stadium formerly known as Baluchistan Cricket Association Ground is not just a cricket ground it also serves as the venue for football games. The stadium has capacity to accommodate 20,000 people. This stadium can serve as the home ground of Quetta Gladiators.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is among the newest cricket stadiums in Pakistan which hosted its first game in 1993 and it was 3rd stadium in Pakistan to have the facility of floodlights. After the renovations of early 2000s now this stadium can hold around 25,000 spectators. Since Islamabad does not have an international standard cricket stadium, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium can be the home of Islamabad United.
National Stadium, Karachi
National Stadium has the capacity to hold 34,228 spectator. This stadium is witness to many cricket stories, it also holds the significant record of Pakistan not losing a single test match at this venue until 2000 (overall Pakistan has lost only twice in this stadium once in 2000 to England, and then in 2007 to South Africa). The iconic National Stadium is without a doubt a true home ground of Karachi Kings.
Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar
Arbab Niaz Stadium was established in 1984 and hosted its first test match in 1995. The stadium has capacity of 20,000. Interestingly the first ODI played here in 1984 for was Pakistan Vs India and the last time this stadium hosted an international game was again an ODI between Pakistan and India this time in 2006. Arbab Niaz Stadium was also the first one in Pakistan to have digital scoreboard. This is a potential home ground of Peshawar Zalmi.
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The most striking stadium of Pakistan, the largest stadium in Pakistan, and fifth largest stadium in the world Gaddafi Stadium is truly an iconic stadium. It is the only stadium in the world which has hosted final of Hockey World Cup as it was venue for the final of Men’s Hockey World Cup in 1990, and later it hosted final of 1996 Cricket World Cup. It was Pakistan’s first and for many years the only cricket stadium with floodlights facility, it has the capacity of over 27,000. Can there be any better option to be home to Lahore Qalandars?
Ground history
Originally Lahore Stadium, the ground was renamed in 1974 in honour of the former Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi following a speech he gave at the 2nd Organisation of the Islamic Conference meeting in Lahore in favour of Pakistan’s right to pursue nuclear weapons.The stadium houses the headquarters of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
In 1995–96, the Gaddafi Stadium was renovated by architect Nayyar Ali Dada – who is qualified from National College of Arts Lahore – for the 1996 Cricket World Cup
Dada’s redesign was done in the Mughal style, with red, hand-laid brickwork and arches. Dada also had plastic seating installed in place of the existing concrete benches. The lower portion under the stands was enclosed and converted to shops for boutiques and offices. Gaddafi Stadium was the first in Pakistan to be equipped with modern floodlights having their own standby power generators.
On 23rd October 2020, Pakistan Cricket Board discussed renaming the stadium following the death of Gaddafi, to support the new government in Libya. The Punjab Olympic Association made a similar request in late October 2020 to the provincial chief minister, “I don’t think his profile is inspirational enough to link with our cricket stadium’s identity.” As of April 2020, however, it does not appear that the stadium’s name will be changed after all.
Gaddafi Stadium being the largest cricket stadium in Pakistan used to have capacity of 60,000 spectators, until the redesigning of its enclosures reduced the capacity to 27,000.
Cricket history
In 1968, a Test match, played against England, was affected due to riots.
In 1977, another Test, also against England, was affected due to riots between police and spectators.
Three hat-tricks have been taken at the stadium, by Peter Petherick of New Zealand against Pakistan, 9 October 1976, Wasim Akram of Pakistan against Sri Lanka, 6 March 1999 and Mohammad Sami of Pakistan against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan has enjoyed some memorable moments on the ground, including a fifth-wicket stand of 281 between Javed Miandad and Asif Iqbal against New Zealand in 1976 and an innings and 324 run win against New Zealand in 2002.
On 3 March 2009, the scheduled third day of second Test of 2008–09 Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan, the Sri Lankan team’s convoy was attacked by armed militants at Liberty Roundabout, near Gaddafi stadium. Eight Sri Lankan players were injured, including Sri Lankan captain, Mahela Jayawardene. The Sri Lankan team was air-lifted from Gaddafi Stadium to a nearby airbase, from where they were evacuated back to Sri Lanka, this event marked the end of international cricket in Pakistan.
However, on 19 May 2015, the Zimbabwe cricket team landed at the Allama Iqbal International Airport to become the first Full Member nation to tour Pakistan since March 2009.On 5 March 2017 the final of the 2017 Pakistan Super League was played in the stadium.Pakistan won both ODI and T20I series comfortably.
On August 2017, PCB along with ICC started to improve international cricket in Pakistan. With that, under heavy security, PCB planned World XI tour to Pakistan for three T20Is.
In August 2017, Thilanga Sumathipala, president of Sri Lanka Cricket, said that he would like to play at least one of the three T20I matches in Lahore, Pakistan during October. In March 2009, the Sri Lanka cricket team were attacked by terrorists while travelling to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Since then, the only Test side to visit Pakistan has been Zimbabwe, when they toured during May 2015.Two of Sri Lanka’s current team, Chamara Kapugedera and Suranga Lakmal were on the bus during the 2009 terrorist attack, and both could have been selected for the T20I squad for this series.
In September 2017, the fixtures were confirmed, with the final T20I match of the series scheduled to be played in Lahore. Sri Lanka Cricket said that players have a “contractual obligation” to play the match in Lahore, but it was unlikely to issue penalties to any player who chose not to visit Pakistan. However, on 14 October 2017, the Sri Lankan team expressed their reluctance to travel to Pakistan, requesting that the fixture is moved to a neutral venue. On 16 October 2017, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that the fixture in Lahore would go ahead as planned, but their limited-overs captain, Upul Tharanga, had pulled out of the match. Despite the concerns from the players, team manager Asanka Gurusinha felt that a competitive squad would be named.On 19 October 2017, Sri Lanka’s chief selector, Graham Labrooy, said that players who do not travel to Lahore would be unlikely to be selected for the other two T20I fixtures. The squad for the T20I fixtures was named two days later, with Thisara Perera selected as captain.
The Sri Lankan squad arrived in Lahore under “extraordinary” security and made their way to the team’s hotel in a bomb-proof bus. Ahead of the T20I in Lahore, Cricket Sri Lanka’s president Thilanga Sumathipala said that the team was privileged to be in Pakistan and that he would help support the country in hosting more tours. Najam Sethi, chairman of the PCB, said that this fixture would be the start of international cricket returning to the country, with him expecting every country to play in Pakistan by the end of 2020.Pakistan went on to win the T20I series 3–0.
The venue is also hosted some of the main matches as a part of the 2018 Blind Cricket World Cup.In September 2019, the Pakistan Cricket Board named it as one of the venues to host matches in the 2019–20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
National Stadium, Karachi
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest and most populous city, presents an interesting and colourful combination of the old and new. The National Stadium became Karachi’s fifth and Pakistan’s 11th first-class ground. The inaugural first-class match was played at NSK between Pakistan and India on 21–24 April 1955, and it became a fortress of Pakistan cricket. In 34 Tests between that first match and December 2000, Pakistan won 17 and were never beaten. Their only Test defeat on the ground came in the gloom against England in 2000–01.
The first ODI at the National Stadium was against West Indies on 21 November 1980, and it went down to the last ball as Gordon Greenidge drove Imran Khan imperiously to the cover boundary with three needed. It has been a far less successful limited-overs venue, with defeats outnumbering victories. In fact, in a little under five years from the start of 1996, Pakistan failed to win on the ground. It also staged a quarter-final match in the 1996–97 World Cup.
Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis played their first test match in this stadium.
Built in 1955, the National Stadium became the largest cricket stadium in Pakistan after renovations were made to Gaddafi Stadium, which reduced its seating capacity. As of now, being among the best cricket stadiums in Pakistan, the National Stadium can hold about 34,000 spectators. It is also the home ground of the PSL team Karachi Kings. It was once considered as the ‘Fortress of Pakistani cricket’ as Pakistan lost very few Test matches on this ground.
The pitch here offers an advantage to fast bowlers in Test matches, but it remains batting-friendly for ODIs (One-Day Internationals). While the National Stadium has seen several international matches being played since its construction, the matches played here during the 1987 and 1996 World Cup are of note. The stadium was also the host for the final as well as several other matches of PSL in 2020.
Multan Cricket Stadium
Multan Cricket Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Multan, Punjab, Pakistan. The stadium is located off Vehari Road, in the suburbs of Multan. It is primarily used for cricket matches. The stadium seats 35,000 and hosted its first test match in 2001, Pakistan against Bangladesh for the Asian Test Championship. The stadium hosts both forms of international cricket: Test cricket and One Day International.
The ground was inaugurated in 2001 as a replacement for the Ibn-e-Qasim Bagh Stadium located in the heart of Multan. Floodlights were recently installed to make day/night cricket matches possible. The first day/night game played at this ground was between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
Multan Cricket Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Multan, Punjab, Pakistan. The stadium is located off Vehari Road, in the suburbs of Multan. It is primarily used for cricket matches. The stadium seats 35,000 and hosted its first test match in 2001, Pakistan against Bangladesh for the Asian Test Championship. The stadium hosts both forms of international cricket: Test cricket and One Day International.
The ground was inaugurated in 2001 as a replacement for the Ibn-e-Qasim Bagh Stadium located in the heart of Multan. Floodlights were recently installed to make day/night cricket matches possible. The first day/night game played at this ground was between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
Inaugurated in 2001 to replace the Ibn-e-Qasim Bagh Stadium, Multan Cricket Stadium is located in the suburbs of the city. Having seating capacity of 35,000, it is also the home ground of the PSL team Multan Sultans.
The Multan Cricket Stadium hosts Test matches as well as ODIs, with the pitch favouring seam bowlers. Floodlights installed within the stadium enable it to host both day and night matches with ease.
RAWALPINDI CRICKET STADIUM
Serving the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was constructed in 1992 with space for 25,000 spectators. It is the home ground of the PSL team Islamabad United and is just 5 kilometres outside the capital city of Islamabad.
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was a fairly busy venue during the 1996 World Cup due to its favourable pitch but several Test matches have also been played here.
Pakistan, with an eye on the World Cup of 1996, unveil another new Test venue for the second Test against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi. Karachi staged Pakistan’s first Test match and now Rawalpindi becomes the country’s 14th Test ground. Perched on the edge of the city of almost four million people and only three miles away from the capital Islamabad, the newly-built ground has seating for 15,000 people. Rawalpindi was used last January for the fifth and final one-day international against Sri Lanka, which Pakistan won by 117 runs to win the one-day series by a margin.
Following the successful hosting of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019 matches, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Prime Minister Imran Khan are hopeful to organize the entire league in Pakistan in 2020.
If that is the case, the matches can only be held at two venues i.e. Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and National Stadium Karachi considering these are high-profile fixtures.
In response to a question regarding the possible venues for the PSL 2020, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani told the media that renovation works are being done at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium.
He further said that PCB has spent Rs. 100 million on Rawalpindi Stadium in the previous year and it will be ready for hosting PSL matches by June/July this year. Multan Stadium is also capable of hosting international matches after some upgrading, Mani said in a press conference.
Full-houses in National Stadium Karachi were proof that PSL needs to come home for cricket-deprived fans. The atmosphere was nothing short of electric and we can hope to see more of it in the next season of PSL.
PSL 2020 