[PICTURES] The state of cricket stadiums in Pakistan

[minamino]

Investing money in Peshawar Stadium is a waste of money to be honest. It is probably the worst provincial capital after Quetta and absolutely nothing to do there for entertainment

 

[ataullah]

The thing that worries me about Arbab Niaz Stadium is the developer’s persistence in putting pillars right in front/middle of the stands. Not only does that block the view of the fans and reduce the stadiums capacity, they are also very ugly and archaic.

Which company is building it? I really hope pillars aren't at front.

 

[aloo paratha]

Which company is building it? I really hope pillars aren't at front.

They are at the front. The only good thing is that apparently the aisles will be in line with the pillars, meaning nobody's view is completely covered, however it'll still block the view a bit when you're at the field instead of the pitch.

 

[Abdullah719]

Multan.

 

[Abdullah719]

Investing money in Peshawar Stadium is a waste of money to be honest. It is probably the worst provincial capital after Quetta and absolutely nothing to do there for entertainment

Yeah well, Peshawar Zalmi can't play their home games in Timbuktu. Peshawar is their home turf.

 

[Rana]

I remember the inauguration of this stadium, the commentators were praising it as the best stadium in all of Asia. India has probably made some better stadiums since then

 

[minamino]

I remember the inauguration of this stadium, the commentators were praising it as the best stadium in all of Asia. India has probably made some better stadiums since then

I think Rajkot stadium is the best one in Asia. It looks really beautiful.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

That roof needs paint. What is it with Pakistani stadiums and rusty roofs?

 

[ZamanFan]

This is quite a good stadium compared to Faisalabad and Pindi. Its unusual despite its infrastructure and seating capacity it hasn't received any regular tournaments like the Pindi or Faisalabad stadiums.

 

[tahir_dj]

That roof needs paint. What is it with Pakistani stadiums and rusty roofs?

10 14 years of no cricket

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

I don’t get this excuse of lack of cricket. I mean if you have built a stadium then it is your responsibility to make sure that it is maintained and kept up to date. It is PCB’s responsibility to keep regular checks on the maintainance of the stadium.

 

[silent ischemia]

Corruption and incompetence. Politicans in 2000s ate all the money. Sindh is still doing it.

I 've but one answer BRT

 

[ZamanFan]

A journalist has reported PCB is looking to divert its resources towards new centres in Pakistan and has halted the renovation of the Karachi and Lahore cricket stadiums.

Pakistan is blessed with the world's most scenic cricket stadiums located in the Northern Areas esp. Azad Kashmir. PCB needs to develop them. Not only they will change Pakistan's image. They'll be able to provide cricket throughout the year including summers. It is cricket + tourism.

Bagh Cricket Stadium, Azad Jammu and Kashmir



Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium

 

[Mamoon]

The irony in this post is laughable because

1. Last twenty years the parties ruling us were (drum roll) PPP (the bhutto cult) PMLN (the sharif cult)
2. PCB had the most corrupt but competent (so-called) chairman in (again drum roll) Sir Sethi as the most recent head

Adorable post Mamoon my g

1. Easy to blame the governments but PCB has had enough money of its own to rework the stadiums and upgrade the facilities.

2. Najam Sethi was indeed an amazing PCB Chairman and far better than the two incumbent UK imports.

During his tenure, PCB was focused on bringing international teams to Pakistan and establishing the PSL, and he did a stellar job on both fronts.

The UK imports are simply capitalizing on the momentum he created and are running away with the credit now.

If Imran did not have Sethiphobia and wouldn’t have allowed his personal grudges get the better of his judgement, Sethi would have done great things for PCB in the future and upgrade the stadium facilities as well.

 

[silent ischemia]

1. Easy to blame the governments but PCB has had enough money of its own to rework the stadiums and upgrade the facilities.

2. Najam Sethi was indeed an amazing PCB Chairman and far better than the two incumbent UK imports.

During his tenure, PCB was focused on bringing international teams to Pakistan and establishing the PSL, and he did a stellar job on both fronts.

The UK imports are simply capitalizing on the momentum he created and are running away with the credit now.

If Imran did not have Sethiphobia and wouldn’t have allowed his personal grudges get the better of his judgement, Sethi would have done great things for PCB in the future and upgrade the stadium facilities as well.

Can't agree with you more. Sethi deserves alot of credit for his contribution in bringing international cricket back

 

[wrongun]

A journalist has reported PCB is looking to divert its resources towards new centres in Pakistan and has halted the renovation of the Karachi and Lahore cricket stadiums.

Pakistan is blessed with the world's most scenic cricket stadiums located in the Northern Areas esp. Azad Kashmir. PCB needs to develop them. Not only they will change Pakistan's image. They'll be able to provide cricket throughout the year including summers. It is cricket + tourism.

Bagh Cricket Stadium, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

View attachment 99450

Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium

View attachment 99451

That's gone from looking like a suburban cricket ground to a proper international stadium. If they are paying this much attention also to improving pitches & outfields then the PCB has to be commended.

Even it if is stadium/infrastructure first- then at least they have the structures in place to house, secure & maintain the pitches & outfields when they do those in the next wave. Seems a logical way to do it.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

1. Easy to blame the governments but PCB has had enough money of its own to rework the stadiums and upgrade the facilities.

2. Najam Sethi was indeed an amazing PCB Chairman and far better than the two incumbent UK imports.

During his tenure, PCB was focused on bringing international teams to Pakistan and establishing the PSL, and he did a stellar job on both fronts.

The UK imports are simply capitalizing on the momentum he created and are running away with the credit now.

If Imran did not have Sethiphobia and wouldn’t have allowed his personal grudges get the better of his judgement, Sethi would have done great things for PCB in the future and upgrade the stadium facilities as well.

1. Easy for the government's selected board heads to pay some attention towards grassroots cricket and cricket stadiums but only if they had the competence to think about it other than their own personal ambitions and enjoyment

2. No and no and no. Their tenures aren't complete yet so the jury can wait. Also, it's not as if there's only one person i.e. Sethi sb working tirelessly burning midnight oil trying to get int'l cricket back to Pak. He had an entire team to order around to fix the grounds. How hard is it for him to be like "Ummm England is coming to play cricket here, let's fix a few grounds".

3. I have heard and seen enough of Sethi to know of his intellectual capabilities. And while a person can do amazing things, the evidence is contrary except that he has his little "chiryas" flying everywhere collecting gossip.

 

[UP]

When will those cage style barriers are coming down?

Every ground has them and they look horrible.

Implementing comfortable seating is a must as well. No more concrete blocks.

 

[ChTab]

When will those cage style barriers are coming down?

Every ground has them and they look horrible.

Implementing comfortable seating is a must as well. No more concrete blocks.

Our awam is not that educated they will interrupt the game every chance they get. I know these bars looks horrible but it is must.

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Our awam is not that educated they will interrupt the game every chance they get. I know these bars looks horrible but it is must.

They could be converted to something nicer. Like India has the thick glass type walls.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

They could be converted to something nicer. Like India has the thick glass type walls.

That will prevent players from interacting with fans, not a good idea.

 

[shah_1]

Looked at the pictures on twitter of the pindi ground not being fully covered. The drainage system is garbage so why is the ground not fully covered after embarrassment of Karachi ODI and pindi test.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Looked at the pictures on twitter of the pindi ground not being fully covered. The drainage system is garbage so why is the ground not fully covered after embarrassment of Karachi ODI and pindi test.

Relax, helicopters will take care of it.

 

[shah_1]

Relax, helicopters will take care of it.

Not an efficient solution compared to covering the whole ground.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

A journalist has reported PCB is looking to divert its resources towards new centres in Pakistan and has halted the renovation of the Karachi and Lahore cricket stadiums.

Pakistan is blessed with the world's most scenic cricket stadiums located in the Northern Areas esp. Azad Kashmir. PCB needs to develop them. Not only they will change Pakistan's image. They'll be able to provide cricket throughout the year including summers. It is cricket + tourism.

Bagh Cricket Stadium, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

View attachment 99450

Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium

View attachment 99451

PCB doesn't have the same money as BCCI to develop these stadiums

 

[shah_1]

PCB doesn't have the same money as BCCI to develop these stadiums

Are you the accountant of PCB?

If they can waste 21 crores on PSL opening, surely they have the money

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Are you the accountant of PCB?

If they can waste 21 crores on PSL opening, surely they have the money

Surely you are if you know that amount.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Are you the accountant of PCB?

If they can waste 21 crores on PSL opening, surely they have the money

I'm not. But I do have enough common sense to know that renovating even 3 stadiums will cost a hell of a lot more than 21 crore.

 

[shah_1]

Surely you are if you know that amount.

It was all over the news

 

[Gotham Cronie]

It was all over the news

Yes, the trustworthy reliable Pakistani news.

And I'm sure those news anchors were accountants of the PCB.

 

[shah_1]

Yes, the trustworthy reliable Pakistani news.

And I'm sure those news anchors were accountants of the PCB.

It cost nothing to hire Rahat and other stars lol.

 

[ZamanFan]

Are you the accountant of PCB?

If they can waste 21 crores on PSL opening, surely they have the money

Exactly
PCB has quite a lot of money which is why they have this habit of wasteful spending and they also have wuite alot of other resources where they can partner with other institutions for financing projects.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

The state of Pakistani grounds has always been abysmal since decades as no one really cared about the sports industry in the country.

Pakistan lacks in good quality facilities let alone world class ones as that will take a good number of years before we get to see even one of them in the entire country.

 

[Syed1]

Grounds might be fazool, but Pakistani crowds are some of the noisest and most vibrant around. They have a great time at the match.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

right now PCB should think about making current stadiums as operationally viable as possible. for instance i don't think the concept of concrete steps should not fly. the stadium in PINDI has two enclosures that need seats whereas, the one in FAISALABAD is completely without seats. these kind of things are simply unacceptable. i mean the idea of a stadium without seats is just ludicrous, and an insult to the spectators who spend their hard earned cash and valuable time to come see a game.

they are remaking the one in PESHAWAR and i do hope its fully-equipped. the fact that it doesn't have floodlights is bad enough as it is. over time work can be done to renovate SHEIKHUPURA, GUJRANWALA and HYDERABAD. but that looks far off at this point.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

right now PCB should think about making current stadiums as operationally viable as possible. for instance i don't think the concept of concrete steps should not fly. the stadium in PINDI has two enclosures that need seats whereas, the one in FAISALABAD is completely without seats. these kind of things are simply unacceptable. i mean the idea of a stadium without seats is just ludicrous, and an insult to the spectators who spend their hard earned cash and valuable time to come see a game.

they are remaking the one in PESHAWAR and i do hope its fully-equipped. the fact that it doesn't have floodlights is bad enough as it is. over time work can be done to renovate SHEIKHUPURA, GUJRANWALA and HYDERABAD. but that looks far off at this point.

No airport, no redevelopment. Simple as that.

 

[Major]

Grest stuff at pindi.

After the test match they learned from the mistakes and bought in improvements.

Cement slabs ticket was 500. On thr other cement slabs they placed sofa type chairs.

Pcb had oversold the stands on purpose so that if there were people buying tickets and than trying to sell in black and fialed to do so the whole thing would be balanced out in the end.

Plastic sheets were placed which could be worn if it had rained.

I was satisfied. Parking is an issue but pcb did provide shuttle service.

As more matches get held things will improve. Also i have learned there is alot of mass hysteria aswell. Team bus travel and all doesnt take that much time. Traffix get halted for maybe 15 or 20 minutes when team is travelling. Stadium road has to be shut for obvious reasons.
The police staff is cooperating. Thats a big plus.
If you have a valid tixket, have proper id and read the instructions on the back of the ticket, you wont face problem

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

Grest stuff at pindi.

After the test match they learned from the mistakes and bought in improvements.

Cement slabs ticket was 500. On thr other cement slabs they placed sofa type chairs.

Pcb had oversold the stands on purpose so that if there were people buying tickets and than trying to sell in black and fialed to do so the whole thing would be balanced out in the end.

Plastic sheets were placed which could be worn if it had rained.

I was satisfied. Parking is an issue but pcb did provide shuttle service.

As more matches get held things will improve. Also i have learned there is alot of mass hysteria aswell. Team bus travel and all doesnt take that much time. Traffix get halted for maybe 15 or 20 minutes when team is travelling. Stadium road has to be shut for obvious reasons.
The police staff is cooperating. Thats a big plus.
If you have a valid tixket, have proper id and read the instructions on the back of the ticket, you wont face problem

Ya things will Improve In Sha Allah as more matches will take place..
have to appreciate good steps.
as I've seen here in Pp lots of negativity ...
& there are some who just can't see beyond negativity.. SAD

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

Grounds might be fazool, but Pakistani crowds are some of the noisest and most vibrant around. They have a great time at the match.

why we cant hear a single noise??
do they lowered the voice or something??
first couple of matches i heard lots of noise vuvuzela and all but after that absolutely mum
or i guess there's a problem with Indian channel D SPORTS

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

is crowd has been placed that far from ground for security reasons?
or it is like that normally?

 

[Pakpak]

why we cant hear a single noise??
do they lowered the voice or something??
first couple of matches i heard lots of noise vuvuzela and all but after that absolutely mum
or i guess there's a problem with Indian channel D SPORTS

It's your channel. The grounds are noisy as hell esp Multan

 

[Pakpak]

is crowd has been placed that far from ground for security reasons?
or it is like that normally?

They shortened boundaries a bit that's why.

 

[ahsan17]

is crowd has been placed that far from ground for security reasons?
or it is like that normally?

The boundaries would be huge if that wasn't the case. 75-80% of the current sixes would either get caught or would be a 4 instead.

 

[Markhor]

Grest stuff at pindi.

After the test match they learned from the mistakes and bought in improvements.

Cement slabs ticket was 500. On thr other cement slabs they placed sofa type chairs.

Pcb had oversold the stands on purpose so that if there were people buying tickets and than trying to sell in black and fialed to do so the whole thing would be balanced out in the end.

Plastic sheets were placed which could be worn if it had rained.

I was satisfied. Parking is an issue but pcb did provide shuttle service.

As more matches get held things will improve. Also i have learned there is alot of mass hysteria aswell. Team bus travel and all doesnt take that much time. Traffix get halted for maybe 15 or 20 minutes when team is travelling. Stadium road has to be shut for obvious reasons.
The police staff is cooperating. Thats a big plus.
If you have a valid tixket, have proper id and read the instructions on the back of the ticket, you wont face problem

Good story.

Well done PCB and thanks to the authorities. This is a blessing after many years of hardship.

 

[tahir_dj]

Multan stadium looks the best in Pakistan.

 

[hussain.r97]

Multan Stadium looks nicer than Lahore and Pindi. Karachi currently has the best stadium in Pakistan.

 

[Ellipsism]

Multan Stadium looks nicer than Lahore and Pindi. Karachi currently has the best stadium in Pakistan.

In terms of facilities, maybe, but visually it’s easily one of the worst. Those multi coloured seats are an absolute eye sore.

Purely from an aesthetic view Multan is the best stadium in the country.

 

[Abdullah719]

Multan.

Day time view.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Best looking stadium in pakistan... that is until Arbab Niaz is complete.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

No airport, no redevelopment. Simple as that.

FAISALABAD, PESHAWAR, HYDERABAD all have airports. SHIKHUPURA and GUJRANWALA are not that far from LAHORE and SIALKOT, both of which have airports.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Best looking stadium in pakistan... that is until Arbab Niaz is complete.

ARBAB NIAZ doesn't even have floodlights.

 

[Artaxerxes]

People have forgotten that there has been no international cricket in Pakistan for more than 10 years.I know PCB should have renovated and maintained the grounds but PCB lost a lot of money over the past decade.Over the next five years the stadiums will be renovated or and will look very nice.

 

[DRsohail]

Investing money in Peshawar Stadium is a waste of money to be honest. It is probably the worst provincial capital after Quetta and absolutely nothing to do there for entertainment

What a garbage post. It is invested by provincial govt but even if it is by PCB your post does not make sense.

 

[Bewal Express]

What a garbage post. It is invested by provincial govt but even if it is by PCB your post does not make sense.

How is the Peshawar stadium coming along. Will it look good when its complete?

 

[DRsohail]

How is the Peshawar stadium coming along. Will it look good when its complete?

I have to go there. Have not been there so can not say .After reading post here I will like to have a visit there.

 

[minamino]

FAISALABAD, PESHAWAR, HYDERABAD all have airports. SHIKHUPURA and GUJRANWALA are not that far from LAHORE and SIALKOT, both of which have airports.

Have you seen airports of those cities? Multan has a really good airport but same can't be said about the other countries.

 

[aloo paratha]

ARBAB NIAZ doesn't even have floodlights.

It's being renovated, it will have floodlights when it's done.

 

[Syed1]

ARBAB NIAZ doesn't even have floodlights.

It is being completely redone and will be the only stadium in Pakistan that has two tiers (until Rafi stadium comes online)... and they are putting floodlights as well.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

FAISALABAD, PESHAWAR, HYDERABAD all have airports. SHIKHUPURA and GUJRANWALA are not that far from LAHORE and SIALKOT, both of which have airports.

Sheikhpura and gujranwala wont have any international games ever, no airport, 1 hr drive isnt safe. Stop dreaming

 

[ataullah]

Multan stadium should be renovated to double stand. It will be even better.

Pindi stadium floodlights look horrible and grass isn't lush. New floodlights should be installed. Also heard it might be made double stand

 

[offstump]

Update on Arbab Niaz

https://youtu.be/Xs69kpv7GaM

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad/Rawalpindi are all ready to go. All have PC Hotels, up to date stadiums and airports.

Hyderabad: Pearl Continental Hotel will be constructed, MOU signed. Hopefully this means cricket comes back to the Niaz stadium in 4-5 years if renovated, not before 2024. Airport closed to traffic since 2013.

Multan: PC hotel is almost complete, stadium undergoing light renovation that should be done by 2020. Airport operational.

Mirpur City: PC hotel is almost complete, Unfortunately there is no airport in Mirpur, and recent earthquake damaged the stadium and forced the 2XI Quaid-E-Azam Trophy matches to be moved.

Muzaffarad: Has a PC hotel and good stadium, the airport should reopen within a few months.

Peshawar: Arbab Niaz stadium renovation should be complete by 2021, and its close to a PC hotel. Airport operational.

Faisalabad: 4 Star Serena Hotel close by, Iqbal stadium would need renovation. Airport operational.

Quetta: 4 Star Serena Hotel, Bugti stadium would need an update. Airport operational.

Sialkot: No decent hotels, Jinnah Stadium needs renovation. Airport operational.

*All PC Hotels are 5 star hotels.

Arbab Niaz stadium latest images
2nd tier pillars are taking shape

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Have you seen airports of those cities? Multan has a really good airport but same can't be said about the other countries.

It's an airport not a hotel. Players only have to get on/get off there, not live there.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Sheikhpura and gujranwala wont have any international games ever, no airport, 1 hr drive isnt safe. Stop dreaming

They have already hosted international games. Sheikhupura last hosted one in 2008. It's nothing to dream about, anything is possible with helicopters and security.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

It's being renovated, it will have floodlights when it's done.

Haven't heard anything about that. And erecting 4 floodlights is not cheap.

 

[ZamanFan]

It is a shame, that a venue like Multan stadium has been ignored since 2004. It is definitely one of the best stadiums in Pakistan and probably the best in crowds. PCB needs to improve seating environment of all stadiums and bring them onto modern standards.

Pindi stadium has been given too many matches and has incurred too many losses in revenue to PCB and broadcasters this season. Its ground drainage is pathetic as well. A bit of rain and then almost whole day is required for the ground staff to restart cricketing activities.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Haven't heard anything about that. And erecting 4 floodlights is not cheap.

It’s probably gonna be the ‘ring of fire’ instead of the traditional floodlights.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

They have already hosted international games. Sheikhupura last hosted one in 2008. It's nothing to dream about, anything is possible with helicopters and security.

It wont happen again.

 

[tahir_dj]

It’s probably gonna be the ‘ring of fire’ instead of the traditional floodlights.

It is a ring of fire lights
Also they are building 4 star hostel right outside the stadium.

And those who are complaining about entertainment in peshawar
The local people will be coming to watch the matches 90% of the time so for them watching the match itself is entertainment.

So stop nitpicking at everything let things get done first

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

It wont happen again.

How kind of you to look through your magical crystal ball that tells you the future.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

It is a ring of fire lights
Also they are building 4 star hostel right outside the stadium.

And those who are complaining about entertainment in peshawar
The local people will be coming to watch the matches 90% of the time so for them watching the match itself is entertainment.

So stop nitpicking at everything let things get done first

I don’t want to nitpick. I’m just too passionate about the subject to ignore things that are too glaringly obvious.

 

[tahir_dj]

I don’t want to nitpick. I’m just too passionate about the subject to ignore things that are too glaringly obvious.

Nitpicking wasnt directed at you it was for those who are complaining thinking things should get done overnight

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Nitpicking wasnt directed at you it was for those who are complaining thinking things should get done overnight

Thanks for clarifying.

 

[Major]

Btw, if any posters in this htread has been to Peshawar, they would know that the location of Arbab Niaz Stadium is very dangerous. More than half portion of the stadium falls inside a mohalla area. It doesnt even have its own seperate boundary or area.

There are a few mechanic and other shops beneath the stadium.

 

[Syed1]

Anyone know who Arbab Niaz was? A google search of the name only returns the stadium.


Either Stadiums should be named after Quaid/Allama/Liaquat AK or take the name of the city.


Also quite a lame design to have pillars smack in the middle of the spectators line of sight.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

How kind of you to look through your magical crystal ball that tells you the future.

Stop lying to yourself. No airport, no international games. Its not hard to think logically.

 

[tahir_dj]

Anyone know who Arbab Niaz was? A google search of the name only returns the stadium.


Either Stadiums should be named after Quaid/Allama/Liaquat AK or take the name of the city.


Also quite a lame design to have pillars smack in the middle of the spectators line of sight.

Must be some ANP like that bacha khan.

Also i think according to the render they are going to clear side areas but again looking at the amount of spacefor the pillars it doesnt looklike they are following the actual design.

Anyway lets wait and see how it turns out.

I really hope it becomes a beautiful stadium

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

https://youtu.be/slUHxz1WCDU
For those who try to justify the existence of pillars in modern day stadiums.

 

[offstump]

I don’t think the pillars will impede the view. This was specifically pointed out in one of the update videos.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

I don’t think the pillars will impede the view. This was specifically pointed out in one of the update videos.

To me Pillars are symbolic to the stagnation in our construction methods. Them impeding the view is of secondary importance ( it’s still quite important). If we are missing out on one modern construction technique then we might as well be missing out on a whole host of things that we haven’t even considered yet.