Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore — Pakistan's Most Iconic Cricket Venue
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is Pakistan's most famous cricket ground and hosted the return of international cricket after years away. Learn its history.
About Gaddafi Stadium
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, is Pakistan's most iconic cricket venue. Named after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as a gesture of solidarity during his state visit in 1974, it holds approximately 27,000 spectators and has hosted Test cricket since 1959. The stadium is the home of the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Capacity | ~27,000 |
| First Test | 1959 |
| PSL franchise | Lahore Qalandars |
| Famous for | Spirited Lahore crowds, subcontinental conditions |
The 2009 Lahore Attack and Its Aftermath
In March 2009, the Sri Lanka cricket team's bus was attacked by gunmen in Lahore, injuring several players. International cricket was immediately suspended in Pakistan, and Gaddafi Stadium — intended to be the venue for that Test — was silent for years. The resumption of international cricket at Gaddafi Stadium in 2019 was a landmark moment for Pakistan cricket and a celebration for fans who had been denied home Test cricket for a decade.
Famous Moments
- 1987 World Cup: semi-final matches held here.
- 1996 World Cup: matches hosted at Gaddafi Stadium.
- Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis played numerous Test matches here.
- 2022: Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches and international T20Is resumed in full swing.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Gaddafi Stadium named after a Libyan leader?
The stadium was renamed Gaddafi Stadium in 1974 to honour Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi during his official state visit to Pakistan. At the time, Pakistan-Libya relations were warm under Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The name has remained despite Pakistan's subsequent political changes.