Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore: Ground Guide and History

Gaddafi Stadium is the main cricket ground in Lahore and one of the best-known venues in Pakistan. Cricket in the city has a long and passionate following, and the stadium has been at the centre of that tradition for generations.

History and name

The ground opened in 1959. In 1974, it was renamed after the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, following the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit held in Lahore that year. The name has remained in use since.

Big matches

Gaddafi Stadium staged the final of the 1996 World Cup, in which Sri Lanka defeated Australia to win the title. It also hosted a 1987 World Cup semi-final between Pakistan and Australia, and has been a venue for several other global tournament matches.

In March 2009, the bus carrying the Sri Lanka team to the stadium was attacked, an event that led to international teams largely staying away from Pakistan for years. The ground has since returned to the international schedule, with matches played in front of full crowds.

Franchise cricket

The stadium is the home ground of the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. It hosted the PSL final in 2017, a significant moment as the league moved matches back into Pakistan.

Pitch and conditions

Lahore’s pitches have traditionally been good for batting, with a quick outfield and true bounce. Spin tends to play a larger part later in matches, and dew can influence evening fixtures. Totals at the ground in limited-overs formats have often been high when the surface is dry and flat.

Why it matters

Few grounds in the subcontinent can match Gaddafi Stadium’s combination of tournament history and crowd passion. It is regarded as Pakistan’s flagship venue and remains central to the country’s cricket.