Cricket Stadiums in Pakistan
Amongst a very few things which bind Pakistan together, cricket is definitely one of them. Cricket is unarguably one of the most popular and loved sports in the country. Pakistan has traditionally been famous for producing world-class bowlers and a lot of credit must go to the cricket pitches, apart from the coaching facilities that the nation caters to.
The game has a huge fan base in the country and has no shortage of cricket grounds either.
In this article, we look at some of the most popular cricket stadiums in Pakistan.
#1. Gaddafi Stadium
Built in: 1959
Located in Lahore, Gaddafi cricket stadium in Pakistan is counted among the most iconic cricket grounds in the country. Gaddafi cricket stadium was built in 1959 and can hold as many as 27,000 spectators. The stadium was earlier called as Lahore Stadium before it got changed 1974.
Interestingly, the Stadium is home to both Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan’s main cricket training academy.
The first ODI at Gadaffi stadium was played in 1978 between Pakistan and England, while the first test match was played between Pakistan and Australia in 1959.
Also, the first T20 game at Gaddafi cricket stadium in Pakistan took place on May 22, 2015.
#2. National Cricket Stadium:
Located in Karachi, National Cricket Stadium is one of the picturesque venues for watching cricket in Pakistan. Built in 1955, National Cricket Stadium in Pakistan has a seating capacity of 40,000 spectators. It is the home ground of the Karachi Kings team.
The first test match played at the National Cricket Stadium was between India and Pakistan in 1955, while Pakistan and West Indies staged the first ODI at this ground in 1980.
As far as the limited over’s games at this ground are concerned, it hasn’t found much success with the defeats outnumbering the victories attained.
#3. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium:
Built in- 1992
Known for producing fast bowlers, Rawalpindi stadium in Pakistan has staged some stellar contents over the years. In 1992, Rawalpindi became the fourteenth test cricket stadium in Pakistan, which has a seating capacity of 15,000 people.
The first test match played at this ground was in 1993 between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, while the first ODI was staged in 1992 between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s legendary bowler, Saqlain Mushtaq is the only bowler to have taken a five-wicket haul at this ground in one-day internationals. He claimed bowling figures of 5 for 20 against England in 2000.
#4. Multan Cricket Stadium:
One of the prominent cricket stadiums in Pakistan, Multan cricket stadium has produced a lot of exciting talents for the nation. Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan was built in the year 2001, having a seating capacity of 35,000 people. It is the home ground of Multan Tigers.
The first-ever test match played at this ground was in 2001. Pakistan hosted Bangladesh and won that game by an innings and 264 runs.
The first ODI here was played between the same sides two years later in 2003.
Multan Cricket Stadium is most famously remembered for Virender Sehwag’s heroics at this ground. He struck a heart-warming triple-century at this ground against Pakistan, smashing the then his career-best 309. India won that game by an innings.
#5. Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad (Sindh)
Built in: 1959
Niaz Cricket Stadium in Pakistan was built in 1959 and the first test match was held in 1973 between Pakistan and England. The stadium has a seating capacity of 15,000 spectators.
The stadium is a breeding ground for the batsmen and has produced quite of few gripping contests.
The first ODI match at this ground took place between Pakistan and Australia in 1982.
Niaz Stadium in Pakistan hosted the world’s 1000th test match between Pakistan and New Zealand in 1984.
