Ground information | |
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Location | Stadium Road, Faisalabad |
Coordinates | 31°26′2″N 73°5′9″E / 31.43389°N 73.08583°ECoordinates: 31°26′2″N 73°5′9″E / 31.43389°N 73.08583°E |
Capacity | 18,000 |
Owner | Faisalabad City Cricket Association/PCB |
Operator | Faisalabad City Cricket Association |
Tenants | Faisalabad cricket team, Faisalabad Wolves, Pakistan |
End names | |
Pavilion End Golf Course End |
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International information | |
First Test | 16 Oct – 21 Oct 1978: Pakistan v India |
Last Test | 21 Jan- 25 Jan 2006: Pakistan v India |
First ODI | 23 Nov 1984: Pakistan v New Zealand |
Last ODI | 29 May 2011: Pakistan v Afghanistan |
As of 29 August 2009 Source: Iqbal Stadium, Cricinfo |
Iqbal Stadium (Urdu: اقبال سٹیڈیم) is a Test cricket ground in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Previous names for the ground include Lyallpur Stadium, National Stadium, and City Stadium. The current name honours Pakistani poet Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Capacity is 18,000. It has hosted 25 Test matches and 14 One Day Internationals. 14 of the tests have been draws, thanks to the bone-dry, lifeless wickets, perfect for batting.
The Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is situated in the northern 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.PCB(Pakistan Cricket Board) also conducts its domestic tournaments at this venue.Recencently, 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.