Gaddafi Stadium is a Test cricket ground in Lahore, Pakistan. It was designed by Pakistani architect Murat Khan and completed in 1959. Some additions were added many years later by Nayyar Ali Dada. After its renovation for the 1996 Cricket World Cup, the stadium has a capacity of over 60,000 spectators for high profile matches or events.
Ground facts
- The ground was originally named "Lahore Stadium", but was renamed in 1974 in honour of Colonel Gaddafi of Libya after a rousing speech he gave at a Organisation of the Islamic Conference meeting in favour of Pakistan's right to pursue nuclear weapons.
- Gaddafi Stadium also houses the headquarters of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
- In 1995-96, the stadium was completely renovated by original architect Nayyar Ali Dada for the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The stadium held the final, with over 60,000 spectators.
- Three hat-tricks have been taken at the stadium:
Located in the historical city of Lahore, the Gaddafi Stadium, named after the Libyan leader, was completely renovated during 1995-96 ready for the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Designed by the famous architect Nayyar Ali Dada who modelled it on the Mughal School of red hand-laid brickwork and arches, the new stadium is completely covered with plastic seating rather than concrete benches. The lower portion under the stands has been enclosed and converted to shops for boutiques and offices. This was the first stadium in Pakistan to be equipped with modern floodlights which have their own standby power generators. Modern facilities for the media are also provided.
Pakistan have enjoyed some memorable moments on the ground, including a fifth-wicket stand of 281 between Javed Miandad and Asif Iqbal against New Zealand in 1976 and an innings and 324 run win against New Zealand in 2002 The stadium hosted the final of the 1996 World Cup, which was watched by over 60,000 spectators. However, despite the impressive capacity, the ground is often sparsely attended for Test matches, with sometimes as few as 1000 fans turning up. One-day internationals, as with the whole of the subcontinent, are more popular; crowds in excess of 20,000 are common.
Records
Test
One Day International
External links
Coordinates: 31°30′48.36″N 74°20′0.28″E / 31.5134333, 74.3334111
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