India’s neighbour, Pakistan, has some of the most enthusiastic cricket fans. The fans have been the backbone of Pakistan’s cricket team, cheering for them from the stadiums during international matches.
Pakistan has been host to many eminent cricketing venues across the country. So, in this article, we’ll look at the top 5 cricket stadiums in Pakistan.
1. National Stadium
The National Stadium, situated in Karachi, is the biggest cricket stadium in Pakistan. The stadium has a capacity of hosting 34,000 spectators.
Established in 1955, the National Stadium rose to become the fortress of the Pakistan team, as they have lost a few Tests here. The stadium hosted its first international match in 1955, a Test match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
2. Gaddafi Stadium
Gaddafi Stadium, situated in Lahore and established in 1959, has a capacity of 27,000 spectators. The stadium also hosts the headquarters of the national cricket body, the Pakistan Cricket Board.
After the terrorist attack on Sri Lankan players in 2009, cricketing activities in the country experienced a complete halt. However, now the venue has been hosting international as well as Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.
3. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Shoaib Akhtar, known as Rawalpindi Express, hails from this part of the country. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is the home ground of this legendary fast bowler.
The stadium, also known as Pindi Cricket Stadium, was thrown open in 1992 with a seating capacity of 15,000 spectators. After a long hiatus of international games due to security concerns, the stadium is back to hosting international matches along with PSL games.
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4. Multan Cricket Stadium
Multan Cricket Stadium is a prominent cricket venue in the country, witnessing some thrilling encounters between Asian teams. The stadium, situated in Multan, is a multi-purpose facility and is also used for hosting football matches.
Similar to other stadiums, Multan Stadium has been hosting matches since the revival of international cricket in the country. The stadium can host 35,000 fans at a time, providing an exciting atmosphere.
5. Iqbal Stadium
Iqbal Stadium is situated outside of Faisalabad city in Punjab Province. The stadium was established in 1978 with a seating capacity of 18,000.
The venue has hosted some iconic clashes, with remarkable performances from players. However, the stadium hasn’t hosted any international matches since 2008 but continues to be an important venue in Pakistan’s cricket history.
