Gaddafi Stadium is more than just a place for sports; it is a timeless representation of Pakistan’s passion for cricket and its ambitions to play internationally. The stadium, which has witnessed decades of victories, firsts, and intense rivalries, is a reflection of Lahore’s cultural magnificence as well as the dynamic nature of international cricket. Its status as one of the top cricket stadiums in the world has been solidified by its cutting-edge renovations prior to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Gaddafi Stadium Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Gaddafi Stadium |
| Location | Gulberg, Lahore, Pakistan |
| Opened | 1959 (as Lahore Stadium) |
| Architect | Nasreddin Murat-Khan |
| Major Renovations | 1995–96 (World Cup), 2025 (Champions Trophy) |
| Capacity (current) | 34,000 spectators |
| Design Style | Mughal-inspired arches, red brick façade, modern pavilion upgrades |
| Operator/Owner | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) |
| Significance | Pakistan’s premier cricket venue and administrative headquarters of PCB |
History of Gaddafi Stadium
Nasreddin Murat-Khan, a civil engineer and architect, created the Gaddafi Stadium, which Mian Abdul Khaliq and Company built in 1959. The stadium was originally named The Lahore Stadium. During a public meeting in Lahore on March 19, 1972, then-Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto renamed the stadium in memory of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Architecture and Renovations
Architect Nayyar Ali Dada refurbished the Gaddafi Stadium in 1995–1996 in preparation for the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Red arches and hand-laid brickwork were used in Dada’s renovation. Additionally, Dada had the concrete seats replaced with synthetic chairs. The lower area beneath the stands was enclosed and transformed into offices and boutique stores. The largest cricket venue in Pakistan, Gaddafi Stadium, could hold 65,250 people before its enclosures were redesigned, bringing the capacity down to 27,000.
Gaddafi Stadium skillfully combines contemporary features with Mughal architectural features. Inspired by old Mughal-era buildings, the facade has classic arches and red bricks.
Gaddafi Stadium was again renovated for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. A new pavilion building, a re-profiling of all general enclosures, bringing the stands 20 feet closer to the playing area, removing the fencing around the stands, expanding the seating capacity from 21,500 to over 34,000 spectators, installing new “replay screens,” replacing the floodlights with LED lights, and a newly constructed PCB head office were all part of the renovation plan.
Ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Gaddafi Stadium‘s two main pavilions—formerly known as the far-end Pavilion and the main building’s Pavilion—have been renamed. The pavilion at the far end is now known as the Iqbal End, and the pavilion at the main structure is now known as the Jinnah End. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is renaming the stadium in an attempt to honor national leaders Allama Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah while also modernizing the facility. Furthermore, the stadium itself will get a name change after the tournament is over, according to confirmation from the PCB.
On February 7, 2025, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the reconstructed stadium.
Significance in Cricket and the 1st Match Played
From November 21 to 26, 1959, Pakistan and Australia played their first Test match at Gaddafi Stadium. The visitors won by 7 wickets, officially opening Lahore to the world cricketing schedule. Since then, it has hosted some of cricket’s most memorable matches, such as World Cup finals, well-known five-wicket hauls, and batting performances that broke records.
| Format | First Match | Result |
| Test | Pakistan vs Australia (Nov 21–26, 1959) | Australia won by 7 wickets |
| ODI | Pakistan vs England (Jan 13, 1978) | England won by 5 wickets |
| T20I | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe (May 22, 2015) | Pakistan won by 5 wickets |
Location and Accessibility
Due to its location in the Gulberg neighborhood of Lahore, Gaddafi Stadium is easily accessible from all areas of the city.
Public Transportation
- Iqbal Park Metro Station is the nearest Metro Bus stop to the stadium; it takes about 20 minutes to get there from central Lahore.
- A number of routes, such as 13, 34, and 42, pass close to the stadium and provide an affordable mode of transportation.
- Ride-sharing services and rickshaws are also extensively accessible, and firms like Careem and Uber offer easy, direct routes to the event.
Parking Facilities
- Main Parking: The main parking lot is close to the entrance, however it gets very crowded during big events.
- VIP & Restricted Parking: Spaces designated for VIP visitors and members of the media.
- Other Parking possibilities: There are other parking possibilities within a five- to ten-minute walk from nearby public lots and hotel parking spaces.
Facilities for Players and Fans
Player Amenities
- Large, air-conditioned changing rooms with contemporary showers and physio areas.
- Indoor training areas and nets typical of modern practice.
- Media centers, Umpire rooms and secure team pavilions
Fans Amenities
- New floodlights are for late games and optimal night visibility.
- Powerful sound systems; large electronic scoreboards; and high-definition replay screens.
- Corporate lounges, VIP boxes, family areas, and over 30 hospitality rooms accommodate the diverse needs of spectators.
- Restrooms, International and Local food courts, Stores and restrooms for disabled and nondisabled people.
Ownership and Management
The stadium is owned and operated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has its head office at Gaddafi Stadium. It has become internationally known now for its renovations and hosting of major events and has set the standard for stadium renovations in the cricket industry. It remains the benchmark for Pakistan’s dreams of international cricket and future stadium upgrades.
| Attribute | Details |
| Owner | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) |
| Operator | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) |
| Role of PCB | Maintains stadium infrastructure, schedules domestic & international matches |
| Headquarters | PCB Head Office is located inside Gaddafi Stadium |
| Inauguration 2025 | Re-inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on February 7, 2025 |
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report and Climatic Conditions
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is regarded as a good wicket for batting, particularly during Twenty20 and One-Day Internationals . Pacers get a little help on the start but eventually spinners come into play as the game progresses. The field of play is well kept and allows for a fast game. Lahore’s overall climate, especially in terms of hot summers and bearable winters, plays a role in match conditions, while winter smog sometimes decreases visibility.
| Attribute | Details |
| Nature of Pitch | Flat, batting-friendly surface with true bounce |
| Support for Pacers | Early movement, especially under lights |
| Support for Spinners | Assists in later stages |
| Outfield | Fast, well-maintained for high scoring |
| Climatic Conditions | Hot summers, mild winters, winter smog may affect visibility |
| Best Suited Format | ODIs and T20s (due to high scoring ability and spectator entertainment) |
Iconic Moments
- Pakistan’s 699/5 against India in 1989, which featured double hundreds from Javed Miandad and Shoaib Mohammad, is the highest Test total ever.
- The highest individual ODI score at the time was 194 against India in 1997, according to Saeed Anwar’s record.
- Inzamam-ul-Haq’s 329-run marathon against New Zealand and the three historic hat-tricks by Peter Petherick, Wasim Akram, and Muhammad Sami are examples of triple hundreds and hat-tricks.
- World Cup and PSL milestones: Several Pakistan Super League finals, the final arena for some of Pakistan’s greatest cricket dramas, and the 1996 Cricket World Cup Final were held there.
Records
Test Cricket
- Pakistan’s highest team total, 699/5, came against India in 1989.
- New Zealand’s 2002 match against Pakistan had the lowest team total, at 73.
- Inzamam-ul-Haq’s highest individual score, against New Zealand in 2002, was 329.
| Record | Performance/Player/Team | Year |
| Highest Team Total | Pakistan 699/5 vs India | 1989 |
| Lowest Team Total | New Zealand 73 vs Pakistan | 2002 |
| Highest Individual | Inzamam-ul-Haq 329 vs New Zealand | 2002 |
| Best Bowling | Abdul Qadir 9/56 vs England | 1987 |
ODI
- On May 26, 2015, Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe with the highest team total of 375/3.
- On January 22, 2009, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka with the lowest team total of 75.
- Ibrahim Zadran’s highest individual score against England on February 26, 2025, was 177.
| Record | Performance/Player/Team | Year |
| Highest Team Total | Pakistan 375/3 vs Zimbabwe | 2015 |
| Lowest Team Total | Pakistan 75 vs Sri Lanka | 2009 |
| Highest Individual | Ibrahim Zadran 177 vs England | 2025 |
| Best Bowling | Waqar Younis 7/36 vs England | 2001 |
T20
- The highest team total was 209/3, which England achieved against Pakistan on October 2, 2022.
- On April 14, 2023, New Zealand defeated Pakistan with the lowest team total of 94.
- Mohammad Haris’s highest individual score against Bangladesh on June 1, 2025, was 107*.
| Record | Performance/Player/Team | Year |
| Highest Team Total | England 209/3 vs Pakistan | 2022 |
| Lowest Team Total | Pakistan 94 vs New Zealand | 2023 |
| Highest Individual | Mohammad Haris 107* vs Bangladesh | 2025 |
| Best Bowling | Umar Gul 5/6 vs New Zealand | 2009 |
Important Matches Played at the Gaddafi Stadium
1996 Cricket World Cup Final
In the Cricket World Cup final held at Gaddafi Stadium on March 17, 1996, Sri Lanka defeated Australia by seven wickets to win their first-ever World Cup.
2025 ICC Champions Trophy
An important location for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was the Gaddafi Stadium. It reaffirmed its international prominence by hosting important games, including group matches and semi-final. This venue hosted knockout matches between Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa, adding to a competition full of exciting performances and sizable crowds.
| Date | Match | Result | Player of the Match |
| 16 Oct 1987 | West Indies vs Pakistan | Pakistan won by 1 wicket | Saleem Yousuf |
| 4 Nov 1987 | Australia vs Pakistan | Australia won by 18 runs | Craig McDermott |
| 26 Feb 1996 | Netherlands vs Pakistan | Pakistan won by 8 wickets | Waqar Younis |
| 1 Mar 1996 | Netherlands vs UAE | UAE won by 7 wickets | Shaukat Dukanwala |
| 6 Mar 1996 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | Pakistan won by 46 runs | Saleem Malik |
| 17 Mar 1996 (Final) | Australia vs Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets | Aravinda de Silva |
Upcoming Matches
Gaddafi Stadium will host more PSL games, international matches, and perhaps the conclusion of the next tri-nation series. Future games will appeal to both traditionalists and younger fans thanks to improved viewing angles and opulent box experiences.
Gaddafi Stadium Comparison with Other Stadiums
Below is the comparison of Gaddafi stadium with some of the most famous stadiums around the world.
| Stadium | Location | Capacity | Key Features | International Reputation |
| Gaddafi Stadium | Lahore, Pakistan | 34,000 | Mughal architecture, modern tech, new hospitality | Hosts ICC events, home to PCB |
| Narendra Modi | India | 132,000 | World’s largest, retractable roof, LED displays | ICC/World Cup finals |
| Melbourne Cricket Gr. | Australia | 100,024 | Heritage site, iconic, huge stands | Hosts Boxing Day Tests, World Cup |
| Eden Gardens | India | 66,000 | Historic charm, passionate crowds | Historic venues, IPL/World events |
| Lord’s | England | 31,100 | Historic “Home of Cricket,” traditional pavilions | Test debut, Ashes center |
Despite having a smaller capacity than some contemporary Indian and Australian stadiums, Gaddafi Stadium is unique and iconic on the international scene thanks to its unique blend of history, design, and innovation.
Conclusion
Gaddafi Stadium, which skillfully combines history, culture, and innovation, is a monument to Pakistan’s love of cricket. Its incredible makeover in advance of the 2025 Champions Trophy places it among cricket’s top venues, providing top-notch amenities, a thriving fan base, and international recognition. Fans at Gaddafi Stadium will be a part of cricket history being made, whether they are remembering the greats of the past or seeing the stars of the future.
FAQs
Q1. Where is Gaddafi Stadium located?
A1. Gaddafi Stadium is situated in the Gulberg district of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, easily accessible via various modes of public transportation and major city roads.
Q2.When was Gaddafi Stadium built and what is its history?
A2. The stadium was established in 1959, originally named Lahore Stadium. It was renamed in 1974 after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, following his speech at the venue during the Organisation of Islamic Conference.
Q3. What is the seating capacity?
A3. After several renovations, the stadium’s current seating capacity is about 27,000 to 34,000 spectators, making it among the largest in Pakistan.
Q4. What major events has the stadium hosted?
A4. Gaddafi Stadium has hosted international Tests, ODIs, T20Is, the 1996 Cricket World Cup Final, multiple PSL finals, and several matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Q5. What are the stadium’s notable features and facilities?
A5. The stadium features Mughal-inspired architecture, modern plastic seating, LED floodlights, international-standard dressing rooms, media centers, food courts, souvenir shops during events, and accessibility options.
Refresh Date: September 24, 2025
