Should PCB invest in Gwadar cricket stadium?

[Angrez Pakistani]

Gwadar has a five star hotel. It is a fast growing city. If PCB invest in developing a cricket stadium in Gwadar with the capacity to host 30-45K fans it can prove to be a good long term investment.

Additionally, Gwadar is a city that is in the process of development. It has a very small population, so it will not be much of a logistical nightmare for the PCB if, in future, it decides to hold PSL or international matches in Balochistan.

Lets be real. The security situation in Quetta is not going to improve in the immediate future, even if it seems that we are on the right track. The Gladiators, on the other hand, need a home venue. It is already a shame that 2-3 of the best sides in PSL don't have home venues that are suitable enough to host high level cricket. So there is that.

The obvious question is if it make sense to develop a stadium in a city that has a very sparse population (for now). My answer is yes. What do you guys think? Should the PCB invest in Gwadar cricket stadium?

 

[Savak]

Pakistan will never have the ideal state of security that westerners desire. However what the Pakistani security forces have proven is that they can provide 100% security to foreigners regardless of the state of security and that is very important. Have to host a PSL game in Quetta, the fans of Quetta Gladiators deserve it.

 

[Junaids]

Yes.

It’s the one and only town in Pakistan that can be made safe for international cricket.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Pakistan will never have the ideal state of security that westerners desire. However what the Pakistani security forces have proven is that they can provide 100% security to foreigners regardless of the state of security and that is very important. Have to host a PSL game in Quetta, the fans of Quetta Gladiators deserve it.

I get that. But there are still major concerns around the security situation in Quetta. I agree that Quetta deserve home games. The reason why Gladiators exist is because it represents all of Balochistan.
From my point of view, all eyes in Pakistan are now on Gwadar. Building a stadium of high capacity adds well into citiy's character and creates an overall novelty factor. It signifies the cultural development as well. If the city develops robustly, it will be considered a good early investment.

 

[Pakistanian]

I get that. But there are still major concerns around the security situation in Quetta. I agree that Quetta deserve home games. The reason why Gladiators exist is because it represents all of Balochistan.
From my point of view, all eyes in Pakistan are now on Gwadar. Building a stadium of high capacity adds well into citiy's character and creates an overall novelty factor. It signifies the cultural development as well. If the city develops robustly, it will be considered a good early investment.

It's Quetta Gladiators not Balochistan Gladiators. Gwadar should eventually get it's own team followed by other bigger cities in that province.

 

[sjahmed23]

Gwadar will take 10+ years to become a hot market for cricket. We don't even know if the locals there have any interest in the sport. Focus should be to bring cricket to all major cities in Pakistan, if that can be done in the next 2-3 years I would consider it a job well done.

 

[PakLFC]

We should invest more in Baluchistan as a whole. Where are the stadiums in Quetta and even Islamabad?

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

It's Quetta Gladiators not Balochistan Gladiators. Gwadar should eventually get it's own team followed by other bigger cities in that province.

First of all, having Quetta on its own in PSL does not make any business sense. It was created to include ALL of Balochistan into the mainstream of cricket. I'm not disagreeing that Quetta shouldn't get games in Quetta. I'm saying that it will take a LOT of time to bring the security levels at par with Lahore, Islamabad or even Karachi.
Similarly, a separate team for Gwadar wouldn't make any business sense either (at least for the next 10-15 years). But building a stadium in Gwadar will PCB a good alternative at hosting International cricket as well as PSL.
An early purchase of land and subsiquent development of Stadium means that they will have the whole thing cheaper in retrospect.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Gwadar will take 10+ years to become a hot market for cricket. We don't even know if the locals there have any interest in the sport. Focus should be to bring cricket to all major cities in Pakistan, if that can be done in the next 2-3 years I would consider it a job well done.

Gwadar, if it goes through proper developmental phase, will have workers from all over Pakistan. Since cricket is the most popular sport across Pakistan fans will flock to the stadium if they ever get a chance to observe PSL or International cricket.
It shouldn't stop PCB from bringing cricket to all major cities in Pakistan in the interim.

 

[MMHS]

Definitely,why not? It's among fastest growing Cities in PAK, it has a airport (not sure if International), there is Pearl Continental hotel and it's probably among the safest Cities in PAK. Gate money hardly matters these days but still I am sure in the remote corner of the country, there'll be massive interest among locals. I read somewhere, Gwadar's GDP is also highest in B'tan among highest in PAK - it should be a full house there.

Gwadar was my choice for 6th franchise, and PSL could have got some Chinese money in that route, still PCB can get sponsorship from China if games are played there.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Would love to see cricket in Balochistan.

 

[Sean143]

Pakistan will never have the ideal state of security that westerners desire. However what the Pakistani security forces have proven is that they can provide 100% security to foreigners regardless of the state of security and that is very important. Have to host a PSL game in Quetta, the fans of Quetta Gladiators deserve it.

Not really Gawadar is developing pretty quickly and will be the capital in a few years.
Man you haven't seen Arbab Niaz stadium (first of all it's in an area which is pretty dangerous), secondly it's current situation is pretty bad.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

At the moment, maybe not a good idea due to sparse population of the city, however, in other smaller cities (but still with a decent sized cricket loving population), especially in Balochistan, stadiums should be built and also training facilities should be built.

 

[Theo_14]

Before the attacks which led to Pakistan not hosting International teams anymore.

I always thought of the possibility of a stadium being developed in Murree, or Northern areas of Pakistan.

Though access to these locations is not ideal but the possibility of teams playing in different kind of conditions during the same season would be legit amazing.

 

[The Viper]

Absolutely picturesque view.

<a href="https://ibb.co/C1NGcMK"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/7Y8mfRt/Et-SCP-4-WYAAOFh-Q.jpg" alt="Et-SCP-4-WYAAOFh-Q" border="0"></a>

<a href="https://ibb.co/NCXvnnM"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/V9d1pps/Et-SCSsn-Xc-AEb4-J1.jpg" alt="Et-SCSsn-Xc-AEb4-J1" border="0"></a>

 

[aloo paratha]

it would have to a stadium with little stands, to preserve the view. 10-15k capacity is enough.

 

[prisha]

Looks absolutely stunning so surreal

 

[Saj]

Stunning.

It would be an amazing occasion for sure, but I guess PCB etc will have to do a lot of hard work before this dream becomes a reality.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Take the little steps first.

Get it working for domestic cricket, observe what the climate is in the city (for cricket), and then develop it from there.

I agree that it should be invested in, but not for T20Is, it should be there only for test cricket. With an iconic view, and a different climate, it could prove to be a world-class venue for test cricket.

Will be interesting to come back in about 3-4 years and see what has happened. Right now, we should renovate the Multan Stadium, get a stadium in Islamabad (of international quality, 50k capacity at least), and also look to make improvements in other stadiums including the one in Gwadar.

The security situation in Quetta unfortunately prevents a stadium from being built there in a forseeable future, meaning that QG should get another stadium elsewhere to represent their fans. It's not an ideal situation, but what can we do. We cannot sacrifice our international cricket for a franchise, because if an event like 2009 happens again, we will never host cricket at home again.

 

[Markhor]

It's stunning, but I don't see touring teams in Balochistan sadly for a while yet.

 

[JattMaula]

Chinese will build it for sure. Gwadar is important for them.

Stunning location but green looks little too green.

 

[Ryw]

Quetta is a hellhole due to some unwanted guests, they reside their with illegal ids, our army is not safe there howcome we can provide security to international teams. Stunning view and beautiful stadium but never invite any international team there until cleanup.

 

[aqeelPK]

There is a reason why governments & establishment have always been reluctant in investing anything in Baluchistan. We are not sure how long can we hold them under federation.

 

[Bewal Express]

There is a reason why governments & establishment have always been reluctant in investing anything in Baluchistan. We are not sure how long can we hold them under federation.

Its one IKs failure that he hasn't developed the PTI in Balochistan to get rid of the Sardars in Balochistan. These crooks have stolen the money for development of Balochistan.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Id like the Niaz stadium in Hyderabad renovated first. It was the ground with the first ever hattrick.

 

[Minnowbasher]

First let there be basic development in Gwadar its still massively undeveloped and safety is an issue.
Stick to playing matches in safe cities and after a few years move to Peshawar, Quetta etc.

 

[sweep_shot]

Gorgeous stadium. One of the most beautiful cricket grounds I have seen.

 

[ahmadharis1]

TBH I hope not. Maybe some small upgrades here and there, maybe for a Shaheens match at most. But the best part about the ground is the natural beauty of it. Don't want to ruin it with massive construction

 

[moghul]

There is a reason why governments & establishment have always been reluctant in investing anything in Baluchistan. We are not sure how long can we hold them under federation.

Non-sensual, anti-Pakistan statement.

 

[Varun]

Looks fantastic. Pakistan's Dharmshala.

 

[FreakCricket]

What are people high on? have you seen the infrastructure in Balochistan? Seems like they are still stuck in the 5th Century.

I saw Food Pk's video on Gawadar and was shocked to see the whole place, no infrastructure, no hotels( just one which had a terrorist attack not so long ago), and no restaurants. It is still a fishing village!

People are blinded by nationalism, there is nothing in Balochistan. Gawadar has a population of 90k people and the above posters are saying it's the future capital or whatnot. PCB should invest in Hyderabad or any other place in south Punjab or Pk.

The total return is zero to invest in Balochistan, there's literally no cricket there and the security situation is the worst. Even domestic cricket needs tons of security there!

They literally build one road next to a sea which is not even a mile long and Pakistanis are going crazy.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

What are people high on? have you seen the infrastructure in Balochistan? Seems like they are still stuck in the 5th Century.

I saw Food Pk's video on Gawadar and was shocked to see the whole place, no infrastructure, no hotels( just one which had a terrorist attack not so long ago), and no restaurants. It is still a fishing village!

People are blinded by nationalism, there is nothing in Balochistan. Gawadar has a population of 90k people and the above posters are saying it's the future capital or whatnot. PCB should invest in Hyderabad or any other place in south Punjab or Pk.

The total return is zero to invest in Balochistan, there's literally no cricket there and the security situation is the worst. Even domestic cricket needs tons of security there!

They literally build one road next to a sea which is not even a mile long and Pakistanis are going crazy.

But that's what the point of Gwadar, is to develop the province. Turning it to the next Dubai is unrealistic, but a second Karachi is possible. Karachi subsidizes the rest of Sindh, and Gwadar can do the same for Balochistan.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Gwadar wont have the population to support international cricket for at least 20 to 25 years. Right now PCB should invest in other cities. Preferably cities in AJK, Gilgit Baltistan and Quetta, as these places dont have the funds to invest in stadiums. The other provinces can.

 

[WengerOut]

You can have a stadium in switzerland Alps but without spectators it will always have the soul of a cemetery. Atleast 15k occupancy is required. This is a glorified childrens park now.

 

[Kaddy]

Id like the Niaz stadium in Hyderabad renovated first. It was the ground with the first ever hattrick.

Is there a five star hotel in Hyderabad?

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Is there a five star hotel in Hyderabad?

Not as of now. However Pearl Continental is going to open a location in Hyderabad.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

Hell yes!

 

[wrongun]

From a marketing & tourism perspective, looking to the medium term, PCB should begin now to get this stadium ready. Begin working with the govt to see what can be done to make a safe zone & set up facilities.

That stadiums location /views are a selling point. When cricket is fully normalised & tours begin to cover more of Pakistan- you put that stadium on a brochure and fans will want to add it to the itinerary.

If I'm ever coming to watch cricket in Pakistan, I'd want to go to a city with strong cricket tradition like Karachi or Lahore (I don't mind which, I don't think most other foreigners would mind either) first and second on my list would be that stadium.

When my mates and I talk about stadiums we've been to or want to visit, it's places like Cape Town (table mountain), the MCG, Adelaide Ovals night test, Lords, Eden Gardens, Barbados with it's swimming pools. Gwadar would be right up there.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Gwadar wont have the population to support international cricket for at least 20 to 25 years. Right now PCB should invest in other cities. Preferably cities in AJK, Gilgit Baltistan and Quetta, as these places dont have the funds to invest in stadiums. The other provinces can.

The thing is that in 20-25 years time, the value of the land in the city is going to sky rocket. So it’s better to invest early and reap rewards in the long run with greater yield.

 

[JattMaula]

The thing is that in 20-25 years time, the value of the land in the city is going to sky rocket. So it’s better to invest early and reap rewards in the long run with greater yield.

This forum has many well to do British Pakistani cricket lovers. They should buy land surrounding Gwadar stadium as investment/cricket promotion. Its likely cheap as dirt right now. I will take 2% of the profits for this idea.

 

[ahsan17]

Pakistan has 5-6 stadiums it uses consistently, which is not bad but could be better. The stadium in Gwadar is breathtaking and if PCB start upgrading it now to at least 15-25k capacity, and make it upgradeable for future games, it could become one of the premier stadiums of Pakistan along with NSK and GSL.

 

[Greenstorm]

Is that live grass or artificial turf ?

 

[Kaddy]

Not as of now. However Pearl Continental is going to open a location in Hyderabad.

Thanks... but it means, it may take another few years before Hyderabad get an international match.