| Ground information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Establishment | 2006 |
| Capacity | 20,000 |
| Operator | Pakistan Cricket Board |
| Tenants | Pakistan national cricket team |
| International information | |
| First Test | November 20th 2010: Pakistan v South Africa |
| Last Test | October 18th 2011: Pakistan v Sri Lanka |
| First ODI | April 18th 2006: Pakistan v India |
| Last ODI | October 31st 2010: Pakistan v South Africa |
| As of November 11th 2011 Source: Cricinfo |
|
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi ( Urdu: شیخ زید کرکٹ اسٹیڈیم ) Arabic ملعب الكريكيت الشيخ زايد cost $22 million to build and is arguably one of the world's finest cricket grounds. It was opened in May 2004 and staged its first first-class match when Scotland played Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup that November.
The ground is dominated by two large stands at either end, with the areas square of the wicket offering large grass banking for spectators to sit, although during the daylight hours that might be less than appealing as there is no shade.
Contents |
One of the more memorable events at the stadium were the two, back-to-back charity matches between cricketing rivals Pakistan and India, in April 2006. The two teams put aside their differences in support for the 2005 Pakistan earthquake victims. The series was expected to raise $10 million for the earthquake relief. B.R. Shetty, of the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council, said: Of the total money raised, 75 per cent will go Pakistan and the rest to India.[1]
As of 2009, many international series are held here, since Pakistan is not able to host any more matches at home due to the security aftermath of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka national cricket team. Pakistan has hosted series against Australia, West Indies, New Zealand and South Africa on this ground.
In 2009 the stadium held host to numerous cricket games in 2009, mostly fixtures in the Nissan Gulf Cup, where domestic teams from England, and latterly India (2010 version) compete against each other for the title. In March 2009, Sussex, Lancashire, Middlesex and Surrey played Pre-Season friendlies there.
In 2012 Pakistan will play one Test and two one day games against England.