# Iqbal Stadium

Iqbal Stadium (Urdu: اقبال سٹیڈیم), formerly known as Lyallpur Stadium, National Stadium, and City Stadium, is a Test cricket ground in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

## History

Iqbal Stadium was established in the early 1970s to accommodate the growing popularity of cricket in Faisalabad. Originally known as Lyallpur Stadium, it was renamed Iqbal Stadium in honor of Pakistan's national poet, Muhammad Iqbal. The stadium quickly became one of Pakistan's most important cricketing venues, hosting its first Test match in 1978 between Pakistan and India.
Since its inception, Iqbal Stadium has witnessed several historic cricketing moments, including famous Test matches involving Pakistan and international teams. The venue has hosted multiple editions of the Cricket World Cup and has been a key site for Pakistan's domestic cricket tournaments, such as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. In September 2019, the Pakistan Cricket Board named it as one of the venues for matches in the 2019–20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. 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.

## Ground records

* First Test: 1st Test, Pakistan vs. India, October 1978.
* First ODI: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, November 1984.

### Tests

* Highest innings total: 6–674 by Pakistan vs. India, October 1984.
* Lowest innings total: 53 all out by West Indies vs. Pakistan, October 1986.
* Highest individual score: 253 by Sanath Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan, October 2004.
* Best bowling figures (match): 12–130 (7–76 & 5–54) by Waqar Younis for Pakistan vs. New Zealand, October 1990.

### One-day internationals

* Highest innings total: 7–314 (50 overs) by Pakistan vs. New Zealand, December 2003.
* Highest individual score: 106 by Mohammad Yousuf for Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, September 2003.
* Best bowling figures: 4–27 (4 overs) by Mudassar Nazar for Pakistan vs. New Zealand, November 1984.

## Profile

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, 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.