Iqbal Cricket Stadium- Ultimate Pride of Faisalabad Cricket
Iqbal Cricket Stadium (اقبال سٹیڈیم) is one of the oldest stadiums in Pakistan, located in Faisalabad. Iqbal Stadium was previously known as Lyallpur Stadium and was built in 1970. This stadium has become the center of national and best domestic matches. So far, about 24 Test matches and 16 ODI matches have been held in this stadium. The Iqbal Cricket Stadium can accommodate 17,000 spectators at a time. This stadium regularly hosts domestic matches as well as tournaments such as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Its stunning historical background,, excellent facilities, and exciting fans make Iqbal Stadium the best cricket venue in Pakistan.
History of Iqbal Stadium
Iqbal Cricket Stadium (اقبال سٹیڈیم) was built in Faisalabad in 1970. At that time, the passion for cricket was growing rapidly among Pakistanis, and that is why this stadium was built. This stadium was named Iqbal Stadium after Allama Muhammad Iqbal, but earlier it was called Lyallpur Stadium. Iqbal Stadium hosted its first Test match in October 1978, a memorable encounter between Pakistan and India.
Iqbal Cricket Stadium is one of the best stadiums in Pakistan due to its excellent facilities and modern facilities. In the 1998–1999 Test match against Zimbabwe, the game had to be canceled due to heavy fog. During winters, matches were often called off because of poor visibility. Despite all these difficulties, Iqbal Stadium has hosted many excellent and memorable matches. In 1997, a thrilling match took place between South Africa and Pakistan, in which South Africa bowled Pakistan out for just 92 runs and successfully defended a low total of 142 to claim victory. In addition, during the 2004–2005 match, Sri Lanka’s outstanding player Sanath Jayasuriya scored 253 runs, leading his team to victory.
Iqbal Stadium hosted many remarkable matches up until 2009, but after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan national cricket team, Pakistan was unable to host any international matches for quite some time.
The history of Iqbal Cricket Stadium is very impressive. It has faced many difficulties but still has hosted many memorable matches. It has the potential to host national and international matches in the future.
Domestic tournaments
Iqbal Cricket Stadium has hosted many domestic tournaments till date. The stadium hosted the 2011 and 2015 editions of the Haier Super 8 Twenty20 Cup. The top 8 teams of the Nations T20 Cup used to qualify for this Tournament. In 2016, 4 more pitches were added, bringing the total number of pitches to 9.
The stadium was selected as the venue for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in 2019. The stadium also hosted the final of the 2019 National T20 Cup. The stadium was also slated to host all matches of the 2024–25 Champions Trophy.
Historically, the Iqbal Cricket Stadium has hosted many domestic matches and tournaments and is one of the best stadiums in Pakistan.
Return on international cricket
PCB announces comprehensive plan to renovate and convert this into a modern venue in 2024. The goal of renovating this stadium was to provide better facilities to players and spectators. After that, the plan was to turn it into a top-level international stadium and host some matches. This is a new beginning for Iqbal Stadium in the era of hosting international cricket matches.
Ground Records:
- First Test: 1st Test, Pakistan vs India, October 1978.
- First ODI: Pakistan vs New Zealand, November 1984.
Location: C3MP+F8V, New Civil Lines Faisalabad.
Capacity: 18,000 to 20,000
Facilities in Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad
Iqbal Stadium, which is one of the best stadiums in Pakistan, comes with many facilities.
- It has player dressing rooms, floodlights, and practice pitches.
- Canteen bars
- Media center for broadcasting and press coverage.
- CCTV cameras align
- Shop/Outlets around the stadium
Areas under improvement
- Media faculties, equipment for cameras and televisions should be improved for broadcast.
- Dressing rooms and Pavilions should be upgraded in advance to make them modern and comfortable.
- Many stands lack shade or adequate seating.
Conclusion: The Legacy and Future of Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad
In conclusion, Iqbal Stadium is one of the oldest and best stadiums in Pakistan. From the India-Pakistan match to the brilliant performances of international cricketers, It has always been an important hub of Pakistan’s cricket journey. This stadium has faced many difficulties but has also hosted many historic and memorable matches.
After renovations, the stadium will be re-opened as an International or National venue and will host matches again. Be it the Qadir-e-Azam Trophy, the National Cup or domestic matches — It remains a symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing passion, pride, and spirit. This stadium’s illustrious past, cultural significance, and bright future make it a true cricketing landmark, which shows the passion of Pakistan’s sports lovers to make talent successful.
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