A Historic Ground Reimagined: The Heart of Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan’s first international standard stadium was the Gaddafi Stadium, which was completed in 1959 and earned the distinction of being the most modern cricket stadium in Pakistan and India. The first international match here was a test match, which was played between Australia and Pakistan, and the most interesting thing here is that due to its renovation, the last test match was also played between Pakistan and Australia in 2022. Lahore Stadium was renamed Gaddafi Stadium in 1971, which was given by the then Prime Minister Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and to date many attempts have been made to change this name, but its popularity as Gaddafi Stadium Lahore remained unchanged. This stadium has hosted many international matches in Pakistan cricket history.
Firstly, two matches of the 1987 World Cup were also hosted by this stadium, which included Pakistan’s match with West Indies and Australia. When Pakistan got the hosting of the 1996 World Cup final, it was decided that Gaddafi Stadium would host it, due to which it was decided to rebuild it, but due to lack of time and funds, its proper renovation could not be done, and only chairs were installed in the sitting area, and the roof of the stadium was painted anew. New power generator lights were installed here, then the World Cup final took place and
Record 63000 people watched this match. Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to reduce the size of Gaddafi Stadium because the average audience here was 20,000. So shops were built in the lower part of the stadium and rented out, due to which the capacity of this stadium reduced from 65000 to 27000. That is, Pakistan’s biggest cricket stadium, which was built to host 65,000 people, was reduced to a very small size by the Pakistan Cricket Board. After losing the hosting rights in 2008, Pakistan stopped the renovation work of Gaddafi Stadium and then used its funds elsewhere.
When international cricket was resumed in Pakistan, the first international match was played in the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in 2015.
Modern Marvels: Upgrades and New Features
This isn’t just a facelift—it’s a complete transformation of one of the game’s most historic venues. The 7.7 billion rupees upgrade isn’t just about appearances. It’s about redefining what a modern cricket stadium can deliver. In October 2024, PCB began one of the most ambitious projects in Pakistan’s cricketing history—transforming Gaddafi Stadium from a crumbling relic into a modern marvel, all in just 110 days. With a budget of roughly 28 million dollars, the goal was clear—to create a stadium that honors Pakistan’s cricketing legends while embracing the future.
The tall steel fences that once made fans feel like prisoners were torn down and replaced with a dry moat, a simple trench that keeps crowds safe without blocking their view. The seating capacity was increased from 21,500 to 34,000, with old concrete benches swapped for bright plastic chairs.
The stands were moved 20 feet closer to the field, so fans can now feel the thunder of every boundary and the sting of every yorker. At the top are the VVIP enclosures, named after legends like Zaheer Abbas and Majid Khan. Here, tickets start at ₨25,000, offering air-conditioned lounges, private balconies, and even chances to meet players. It’s the ultimate luxury experience, perfect for those who want to watch cricket like royalty. For fans who want comfort without the sky-high price, the VIP enclosures—like the Imran Khan and Fazal Mahmood sections—charge between ₨5,000 and ₨15,000. These areas have plush seats, quick access to food stalls, and clear views of the action. Families and die-hard supporters often choose the premium enclosures, such as the Javed Miandad or Saeed Anwar sections, which balance affordability with great sightliness. But cricket isn’t just for the wealthy. The PCB made sure no fans were left out. The first-class enclosures, like Abdul Qadir and Nasimul Ghani, cost between 1,000 rupees and 3,000 rupees. These areas have basic plastic seats but still let fans soak in the excitement. The cheapest tickets are for the General enclosures, like Hanif Muhammad and Intikhab Alam, where the real magic happens—students, uncles, and lifelong supporters cheer together, creating an electric atmosphere no money can buy.
A Landmark Reborn
The biggest cricket stadium in Pakistan is Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Its capacity was initially 65,000. When the final of the 1996 World Cup was held, a record 63,000 people sat here to watch the final. Lahore Stadium, which was later named Gaddafi Stadium, was once considered the biggest stadium in Pakistan and India and the most advanced stadium. This was the first stadium in the subcontinent that had floodlights with its own power generators, but then with time, its capacity was reduced from 65000 to 27000, and slowly it was out of the list of the most advanced stadiums in the world. The PCB’s gamble is that a modern Gaddafi can heal old wounds—luring back foreign teams, reigniting local passion, and silencing critics who say Pakistan is too risky for international sports. But with India’s boycott and security doubts lingering, the stadium’s success hinges on more than just new seats. While India builds 132,000-seat colosseums and Australia pioneers AI-powered stadiums, Pakistan’s Gaddafi upgrade feels modest. Yet, for a nation locked out of global cricket for years, Gaddafi’s revival is a defiant roar. If Gaddafi succeeds, it could spark a cricketing renaissance. More international matches could boost tourism, inspire young talent, and revive Lahore’s economy. The upgrades send a message to the world: after years of isolation due to security fears, Pakistan is ready to host international cricket again.