Iqbal Stadium (Faisalabad)
History
Iqbal Stadium was inaugurated in October 1978. It is named after Pakistan's national poet, Muhammad Iqbal. The stadium's seating capacity is 18,000. It has hosted 25 Test matches and 14 One Day Internationals. 14 of the Tests have been draws. In September 2019, the Pakistan Cricket Board named it as one of the venues for matches in the 2019–20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. In August 2024, it was announced the Iqbal Stadium would host all the matches of newly formulated domestic 2024–25 Champions One-Day Cup. There are also rumours going on that it could host the upcoming Pakistan Super League edition as well as 1 test match from 3 match series against England cricket team in October 2024.
Ground records
- First Test: 1st Test, Pakistan vs. India, October 1978.
- First ODI: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, November 1984.
Tests
- Highest innings total: 6–674 by Pakistan vs. India, October 1984.
- Lowest innings total: 53 all out by West Indies vs. Pakistan, October 1986.
- Highest individual score: 253 by Sanath Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan, October 2004.
- Best bowling figures (match): 12–130 (7–76 & 5–54) by Waqar Younis for Pakistan vs. New Zealand, October 1990.
One-day internationals
- Highest innings total: 7–314 (50 overs) by Pakistan vs. New Zealand, December 2003.
- Highest individual score: 106 by Mohammad Yousuf for Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, September 2003.
- Best bowling figures: 4–27 (4 overs) by Mudassar Nazar for Pakistan vs. New Zealand, November 1984.
Profile
The Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is situated in the north of the province of Punjab and is a modern and well-equipped stadium. But no matter how impressive a venue is, not much can be done about the weather and Faisalabad has suffered at the hands of the elements. In 1998–99 fog caused the third Test against Zimbabwe was abandoned without a ball being bowled, while bad light is often an issue especially for matches played during the winter. However, when play has been possible, some memorable performances have taken place. An exciting Test was played out in 1997–98 when South Africa skittles Pakistan for 92, successfully defending a target of 142 on the final day. Then, in 2004–05, Sanath Jayasuriya smashed 253 as Sri Lanka powered to a 201-run victory. But the ground is most famous for the confrontation between Mike Gatting and Shakoor Rana during England's 1987–88 tour, which led to a day being lost during the match and some long-lasting bad feeling between the teams. The Pakistan Cricket Board also conducts its domestic tournaments at this venue. Recently, Super 8 T20 was held here from 11 to 18 May. The stadium itself is only 2 km out of the city centre, which can be reached by a walk through the tree-lined suburbs.
In 2016, 4 new cricket pitches were added to take the total cricket pitches to 9 now.
See also
- List of Test cricket grounds
- List of stadiums in Pakistan
- List of cricket grounds in Pakistan
- List of sports venues in Karachi
- List of sports venues in Lahore
- List of sports venues in Faisalabad
- Lists of stadiums
References
- ^ "Renovated Iqbal Stadium to host Pakistan Cricket Cup". The News International (newspaper). Associated Press of Pakistan. 15 April 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
- ^ "Pakistan ground guide: Faisalabad". 21 October 2005 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ Nadeem F. Paracha. "Stadium stories: Famous Pakistan cricket grounds". Dawn (newspaper). Retrieved 10 November 2020.
- ^ "PCB releases Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20 schedule". Pakistan Cricket Board. Retrieved 3 September 2019.