The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, situated in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan, is a prominent cricket venue. It is located near Pir Meher Ali Shah University and the Rawalpindi Arts Council, with an estimated Pindi Stadium capacity of 20,000. The stadium hosted its first international match on January 19, 1992, featuring an ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The venue later welcomed its inaugural Test match in 1993 when Zimbabwe toured Pakistan.
Test cricket returned to Pakistan stadiums after a long break. This happened at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during Sri Lanka’s 2019 Test series. The first Test of the series took place from December 11 to 15, 2019, marking a significant moment in the stadium’s history.
Historical Background
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was established in 1992, replacing the Pindi Club Ground as a key international cricket venue. It serves as the home ground for Islamabad United and the Northern cricket team. Before it was built, Rawalpindi Club Cricket Ground held international matches, including a Test match against New Zealand in March 1965.
The stadium played a significant role in the 1995-96 Cricket World Cup. To prepare for the event, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named it a new Test venue. It hosted the second Test against Zimbabwe, making it Pakistan’s 14th Test ground. Floodlights were later installed in 2001, ahead of Australia’s tour. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Islamabad, it remains the only international cricket stadium in the Islamabad Capital Territory.
This cricket ground in Rawalpindi also holds historical significance as the home ground and international debut venue of Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the Rawalpindi Express, the fastest bowler in cricket history. Additionally, during the 2004 Samsung ODI series, Sachin Tendulkar delivered a remarkable knock of 141 (135), standing out while other Indian batters struggled against Pakistan’s pace and spin attack.
To prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, renovation efforts in 2024-25 aimed to increase the stadium’s capacity and upgrade its infrastructure. The enhancements included new seating, improved floodlights, upgraded hospitality boxes, and a complete repainting of the stadium, raising the Pindi Cricket Stadium capacity from 15,000 to 18,000.
Revival of International Cricket
In April 2018, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a plan to renovate the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. They also planned to upgrade several other stadiums in Pakistan, including Karachi Cricket Stadium and National Stadium Karachi capacity. The initiative aimed to enhance the stadium’s infrastructure to prepare it for future international matches and Pakistan Super League (PSL) fixtures.
Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka Test Encounter
In October 2019, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed hosting a two-match Test series in Pakistan instead of the UAE, selecting Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and National Stadium Karachi as the venues. Sri Lanka Cricket responded positively, expressing confidence in the progress of international cricket’s return to Pakistan.
In November 2019, the PCB officially confirmed the dates and venues for the series, scheduling the first Test match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from December 11 to 15, 2019. This match was important because it was the first Test at the venue in 15 years and the first international game there in 13 years.
2024-25 Stadium Renovation
In preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initiated a renovation project for the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to align it with international standards. The original budget was PKR 1.5 billion, but costs rose to PKR 18 billion due to additional upgrades at several venues, including Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and National Stadium Karachi.
The renovation includes a new main pavilion, media boxes, upgraded seating, 350 LED floodlights, and better hospitality boxes. Despite concerns about potential delays, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi assured that the project will be completed on time. The stadium will host three group stage matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, featuring Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.
Cricket World Cup
1996 Cricket World Cup Matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
| Match | Date | Teams | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | 16 February 1996 | South Africa vs UAE | South Africa won by 169 runs | Gary Kirsten (SA) |
| Match 2 | 25 February 1996 | South Africa vs England | South Africa won by 78 runs | Jonty Rhodes (SA) |
| Match 3 | 5 March 1996 | South Africa vs Netherlands | South Africa won by 160 runs | Andrew Hudson (SA) |
Notable Records
Test Records at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
| Record | Runs | Team/Player | Opposition | Date |
| Highest team total | 657 | England | Pakistan | 1 December 2022 |
| Lowest team total | 139/10 | West Indies | Pakistan | 29 November 1997 |
| Highest individual score | 270 | Rahul Dravid (India) | Pakistan | 13 April 2004 |
| Highest partnership | 323 | Aamer Sohail & Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) | West Indies | 29 November 1997 |
One Day International (ODI) Records at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
| Record | Runs | Team/Player | Opposition | Date |
| Highest team total | 337/3 | Pakistan | New Zealand | 29 April 2023 |
| Lowest team total | 104/10 | Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka | 29 November 1997 |
| Highest individual score | 188* | Gary Kirsten (South Africa) | UAE | 16 February 1996 |
| Highest partnership | 204 | Saleem Malik & Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) | Sri Lanka | 19 November 1992 |
T20 International (T20I) Records at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
| Record | Runs | Team/Player | Opposition | Date |
| Highest team total | 194/4 | New Zealand | Pakistan | 24 April 2023 |
| Lowest team total | 90 | New Zealand | Pakistan | 12 April 2024 |
| Highest individual score | 104 | Mark Chapman (New Zealand) | Pakistan | 24 April 2023 |
| Highest partnership | 121* | Mark Chapman & James Neesham (New Zealand) | Pakistan | 24 April 2023 |
This Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch report suggests that weather in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium may impact matches. Fans can purchase Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium tickets online booking for upcoming Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium events.
Check The Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Pakistan’s Legendary Fortress.
For More Updates Check Out Our Facebook Page.
