Iqbal Stadium (Urdu: اقبال سٹیڈیم) is a Test cricket ground in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Previous names for the ground include Lyallpur Stadium, National Stadium, and City Stadium.[2]
Iqbal Stadium was inaugurated in October 1978.[2] It is named after Pakistan's national poet, Muhammad Iqbal. The stadium's seating capacity is 18,000.[1][3] It has hosted 25 Test matches and 14 One Day Internationals. 14 of the Tests have been draws.[3] In September 2019, the Pakistan Cricket Board named it as one of the venues for matches in the 2019–20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.[4] In August 2024, it was announced the Iqbal Stadium would host all the matches of newly formulated domestic 2024–25 Champions One-Day Cup. There are also rumours going on that it could host the upcoming Pakistan Super League edition as well as 1 test match from 3 match series against England cricket team in October 2024.
The Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is situated in the north of the province of Punjab and is a modern and well-equipped stadium. But no matter how impressive a venue is, not much can be done about the weather and Faisalabad has suffered at the hands of the elements. In 1998–99 fog caused the third Test against Zimbabwe was abandoned without a ball being bowled, while bad light is often an issue especially for matches played during the winter. However, when play has been possible, some memorable performances have taken place. An exciting Test was played out in 1997–98 when South Africa skittles Pakistan for 92, successfully defending a target of 142 on the final day. Then, in 2004–05, Sanath Jayasuriya smashed 253 as Sri Lanka powered to a 201-run victory. But the ground is most famous for the confrontation between Mike Gatting and Shakoor Rana during England's 1987–88 tour, which led to a day being lost during the match and some long-lasting bad feeling between the teams. The Pakistan Cricket Board also conducts its domestic tournaments at this venue. Recently,[when?] Super 8 T20 was held here from 11 to 18 May. The stadium itself is only 2 km out of the city centre, which can be reached by a walk through the tree-lined suburbs.
In 2016, 4 new cricket pitches were added to take the total cricket pitches to 9 now.[1]