Cricket might not be the national sport of Pakistan, but no other sport come close to the popularity of Cricket. The stadiums that host these thrilling contests occupy a unique place in the hearts of millions of people in a country where cricket is more than simply a sport, it has become a staple of Pakistani culture.

There are currently 37 cricket stadiums in Pakistan, out of which 25 are international cricket stadiums and 12 are domestic cricket stadiums. These stadiums are capable of hosting Test, ODI, and T20I matches.

We will highlight Pakistan’s Top 10 Cricket Stadiums, exhibiting their splendor, history, and passion that make them more than just places to play, rather, they are a part of the country’s rich sporting past.

Top 10 Cricket Stadiums in Pakistan

Top 10 Cricket Stadiums in Pakistan are listed below 

1. Gaddafi Stadium 
2. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 
3. National Stadium 
4. Multan Cricket Stadium 
5. Iqbal Stadium 
6. Arbab Niaz Stadium 
7. Jinnah Stadium 
8. Gwadar cricket Stadium 
9. Niaz Stadium 
10. Bugti Stadium 

1. Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Gaddafi Stadium, located in Lahore, Pakistan, is one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world. Named after Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, the former leader of Libya, this stadium has a rich history and has played a significant role in the development and promotion of cricket in Pakistan.

The stadium is one of Pakistan’s major cricket venues, with a seating capacity of about 27,000 people. Over the years, It has hosted numerous international and domestic cricket matches. 

The stadium also served as the venue of several thrilling Test and ODI matches, including the famous tied Test between Pakistan and India in 1987. It also hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup final.

Additionally, Gaddafi Stadium serves as the home field for the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). 

2. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is one of Pakistan’s iconic cricket venues. This stadium, which is situated in the bustling city of Rawalpindi in the Punjab province of Pakistan, has made a significant contribution to the history of cricket in the country.

Since its foundation, it has hosted both domestic and international cricket matches and witnessed many renowned matches.The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is located in the city’s center, 14 kilometers or so from Islamabad, the country’s capital.

The stadium has a seating capacity of around 15,000 spectators. Numerous international and domestic matches, including Test matches, ODIs, and T20 Internationals, have taken place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. It serves as the home field for the PSL franchise Islamabad United.

3. National Stadium, Karachi 

Karachi is home to the well-known sporting stadium known as National Stadium. It is one of the most famous and historic sports venues in the nation and has had a significant impact on the development of Pakistan’s sporting culture and history.

Cricket matches are the National Stadium Karachi’s main draw, though it has also hosted other sports and entertainment events.
On March 21, 1955, Pakistan and India played their first Test match at the newly opened National Stadium Karachi. Since since, it has served as Pakistan’s primary location for both domestic and international cricket.

Over the years, the stadium has witnessed a number of notable cricketing events. 
The National Stadium Karachi has a seating capacity of around 34,228 spectators, making it one of the largest cricket stadiums in Pakistan. It also serves as the home ground for PSL franchise Karachi Kings.

4. Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

One more of  the Pakistan’s most recognizable cricket stadiums is Multan Cricket Stadium. This stadium, which is centrally located in Multan, a renowned city in the Punjab region, has made a significant contribution to Pakistan’s cricketing history.

It has played host to many domestic and international cricket matches, cementing the nation’s love for the game.Since its official opening in 2001, the stadium has served as a popular location for both domestic and international cricket events.

There are over 35,000 seats available at the venue. Some significant cricketing events have taken place in this stadium.

One of the most memorable matches played at this venue was in 2002 when Pakistan played against Zimbabwe. In that game, Pakistani batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq scored a blistering triple century (329) in a Test match. It serves as the home ground for Multan Sultans, a franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

5. Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Allama Iqbal Cricket Stadium, is a prominent cricket venue located in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Named after Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned philosopher, poet, and politician. The stadium has a seating capacity of 18,000 spectators.

Iqbal Cricket Stadium has played host to many domestic and international cricket matches over the years, helping to develop the sport in Pakistan. It has seen thrilling matches, important events, and outstanding performances from both national and international players.

Cricket fans in Pakistan, including those in Faisalabad, hold a particular place in their hearts for the stadium.

6. Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar 

Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, located in Peshawar, Pakistan, is Named after Arbab Niaz, a former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The stadium has played a key role in developing cricket in the area and has been the venue of many great cricketing moments throughout the years.One of Pakistan’s largest stadium, it can hold about 35,000 spectators at one time.

Although Arbab Niaz Stadium is mainly used for domestic cricket matches, it has occasionally hosted international matches. Additionally, it serves as the home ground for PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi.

7. Jinnah Stadium, Sargodha

Jinnah Stadium in Sargodha, Pakistan, is a significant sports facility that holds a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts and residents of the region.

The stadium, which holds Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s name in his honor, acts as a focal point for various sporting events, cultural gatherings, and social events.

The venue has the seating capacity of 15,000. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches as well as other significant domestic events have taken place in the stadium. In addition to cricket, Jinnah Stadium also conducts competitions for football, athletics, and other sports.

8. Gwadar Cricket Stadium, Balochistan 

Gwadar Cricket Stadium located in southwestern province of Balochistan. The stadium is designed to host various formats of the game, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 matches.

As it was inaugurated in 2020 it has only hosted domestic matches and is yet to host international games. It has  a seating capacity of over 15,000 spectators The most awe-inspiring thing about the venue is its distinctive location, rocky mountains towering over the field’s lush green grass. 

9. Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad 

The Niaz Stadium is a cricket ground in Hyderabad, Pakistan. The stadium has been named after Niaz Ahmed, the late commissioner of Hyderabad. There are 15,000 spectators available in the stadium.

During Australia’s 1982–83 tour of Pakistan, Pakistan’s Jalal-ud-Din scored the first hat-trick in One Day Internationals (ODI’s) at this venue. The history of sport has been forever altered by the numerous remarkable cricket matches that have taken place at Niaz Cricket Stadium over the years.

10. Bugti Stadium, Quetta

Bugti Cricket Stadium, formerly known as ‘Racecourse Ground’, is a prominent cricket venue located in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, Pakistan.

Cricket fans in the area maintain a particular place in their hearts for this stadium. There are 5,000 seats available in the stadium.The Bugti Cricket Stadium is more frequently the site of domestic cricket matches in Pakistan than international matches, however it has held a few One Day Internationals (ODIs) in the past. This stadium also serves as the home ground of PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators.

Wrap Up

These stadiums have not only hosted countless cricket matches, but they have also nurtured some of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers. They are all vital to Pakistan’s cricketing history because they each have their own special charm and history. It draws attention to the historical value, practical abilities, and contributions of these venues to Pakistan’s history in cricket.

Make sure to checkout How Many Cricket Stadiums Are in Pakistan?