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Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
International cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is a cricket stadium located in Rawalpindi, Punjab province of Pakistan. It is located close to Pir Meher Ali Shah University and Rawalpindi Arts Council and has an estimated capacity of 18,000.[1] The first international match at the stadium was played on 19 January 1992, when Sri Lanka faced Pakistan in an ODI.[2] The stadium hosted its first Test match in 1993, when Zimbabwe toured Pakistan.[3]
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Test cricket returned to Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the 2019 two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The first test match was held from 11–15 December 2019 in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
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History
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Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was established in 1992 and replaced Pindi Club Ground as an international stadium.[4][5]
It is the home ground of Islamabad United and Northern cricket team.[4] Before the construction of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi Club Cricket Ground had been used as a venue for international matches, including one Test match against New Zealand that was held in March 1965.[6]
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was a prime spot in the 1995–96 Cricket World Cup. With an eye on the that World Cup, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled a new Test venue for the second Test against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi, becoming the country's 14th Test ground. The floodlights were added in late 2001 when the Australians were set to tour the region. The stadium is just 20 minutes from the capital Islamabad and is the only international cricket stadium in the Islamabad Capital territory.
This stadium was the home ground and international debut ground of the world's fastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar who is nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express.
In the 2nd ODI of 2004 Samsung ODI series, while other Indian batters are getting struggling with the pace and spin attack of Pakistan, Sachin Tendulkar played a courageous knock of 141 (135) in this ground.
in 2024-2025, Renovation efforts were to increase the capacity of the stadium of the upcoming CT 2025. The renovations included adding seats, new floodlights, new hospitality boxes and repainting the whole stadium. It increased the capacity from 15,000 to 18,000.[1]
Return of international cricket
In April 2018, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the venue, along with several others in the country, would get a makeover to get them ready for future international matches and fixtures in the Pakistan Super League.[7]
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test match
In October 2019, the PCB proposed hosting the two Test matches in Pakistan, instead of the UAE, at venues in Rawalpindi and Karachi.[8] Sri Lanka Cricket said that they were "very positive" with regards to the progress of playing Test cricket in Pakistan.[9] In November 2019, the PCB confirmed the dates and venues for the Test series, with the first test match taking place in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 11 to 15 December.[10] It was the first test match played at this venue after 15 years and first International match after 13 years.[11]
2024–25 renovation
In preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) renovates the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to meet international standards. Initially budgeted at PKR 1.5 billion, costs rose to PKR 18 billion due to additional upgrades across multiple venues like Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and National Stadium, Karachi.[12] The refurbishment includes an upgraded main pavilion and media boxes, new seating, 350 LED floodlights, and improved hospitality boxes. Despite concerns about delays, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has assured timely completion. The stadium hosts three group-stage matches, featuring teams like Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.[13][14]
On 8 May 2025 during the 2025 India–Pakistan strikes, a drone from India landed inside the stadium complex before the start of a Pakistan Super League Twenty20 match, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board to transfer the games to the United Arab Emirates.[15]
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Cricket World Cup
This Stadium hosted three ODI matches during the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
1996 Cricket World Cup
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ICC Champions Trophy
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- New Zealand won the toss and elected to field.
- Michael Bracewell (NZ) delivered his best ODI bowling figures (4/26 in 10 overs) against Bangladesh. This feat set a new record for the best bowling figures by a New Zealand spinner in Champions Trophy history, surpassing Paul Wiseman's 4/45.[16]
- Kane Williamson (NZ) surpassed Stephen Fleming as New Zealand's highest run-scorer in ICC ODI tournaments.
- Rachin Ravindra (NZ) completed 1,000 runs in ODIs in 26 innings. He became the fifth-fastest New Zealand batter to reach this milestone in ODIs.[17]
- Rachin Ravindra (NZ) became the first New Zealand batter to score 4 centuries in ICC ODI events.
- Glenn Phillips (NZ) completed 1,000 runs in ODIs.
- As a result of this match, India and New Zealand qualified for the semi-finals and Pakistan and Bangladesh were eliminated.[18]
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- No toss.
- No play was possible due to rain.
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- No toss.
- No play was possible due to rain.
Records
- First Test: Dec 9–14, 1993 – Pakistan v Zimbabwe
- First ODI: 19 Jan 1992 – Pakistan v Sri Lanka.
- First T20I: 7 Jan 2020 – Pakistan v Zimbabwe.
Tests
One Day Internationals
T20 Internationals
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List of five wicket hauls
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Key
Tests
Nineteen five-wicket hauls have been taken in Test matches at the ground.[19]
One Day Internationals
Five five-wicket hauls have been taken in One Day Internationals at the ground.[20]
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See also
References
External links
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