Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is a cricket venue in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan, with an estimated capacity of 15,000. The ground has hosted international cricket since 1992 and serves as a key fixture in Pakistan's domestic and franchise T20 landscapes.

Located near Pir Meher Ali Shah University and the Rawalpindi Arts Council, the stadium made its international debut on 19 January 1992 when Pakistan faced Sri Lanka in an ODI. It later hosted its first Test match in 1993 during a tour by Zimbabwe.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Photo: Neweditorpk / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is a cricket venue located in Rawalpindi, within the Punjab province of Pakistan. The ground is situated in close proximity to the Pir Meher Ali Shah University and the Rawalpindi Arts Council. It has an estimated seating capacity of 15,000 spectators.

The stadium has a long history of hosting international cricket. The first international match at the venue took place on 19 January 1992, featuring an ODI contest between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Following this debut, the stadium hosted its first Test match in 1993 during a tour by Zimbabwe. While the entity type is classified under stadium records for T20 cricket, the provided data indicates the first T20 match year as 1992, though the specific inaugural T20 match details are not explicitly detailed in the current grounding beyond the general international debut.

In the context of franchise T20 leagues, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium serves as a key home ground for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). It is one of the primary venues for the league, alongside grounds in Karachi, Lahore, and Multan. The stadium hosts matches for the Rawalpindi franchise, providing a central location for fans in the Punjab region. The venue's role in the PSL highlights its importance in the modern T20 landscape in Pakistan, offering a compact yet significant stage for high-intensity matches.

Available data does not capture specific T20 records such as the highest team total, lowest team total, or individual batting and bowling milestones at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The provided grounding focuses on the stadium's location, capacity, and historical international debut rather than detailed statistical breakdowns of T20 performances. For precise match scores, player records, or head-to-head statistics at this venue, further data from Cricsheet or specific match reports would be required. The current information confirms the stadium's operational status and its integration into the PSL schedule, but lacks the granular statistical data needed for a comprehensive records section.

T20I Records at Rawalpindi

T20I Records at Rawalpindi

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, located in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan, has hosted international cricket since 1992. The venue has an estimated capacity of 15,000 spectators. While the first international match at the stadium was an ODI between Sri Lanka and Pakistan on 19 January 1992, and the first Test match was played in 1993, the following records pertain specifically to T20 International (T20I) matches held at the ground.

Based on available Cricsheet data, the highest team total recorded at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in T20I cricket is 195/5. This score represents the maximum runs scored by a single side in a completed innings at this venue within the format. Conversely, the lowest team total recorded is 2/1, indicating a significant collapse or early conclusion of an innings where the batting side managed only two runs while losing one wicket.

In terms of individual batting performances, the highest individual score at this venue is 104 runs, achieved by MS Chapman. This century stands as the top individual contribution by a batsman in a T20I match at the stadium according to the current dataset.

For bowling, the best figures recorded at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in T20I cricket are 4/8, achieved by Usman Qadir. These figures represent the most wickets taken for the fewest runs conceded by a single bowler in a match at this ground. These records highlight the varying conditions and performances observed at the venue since it began hosting T20 International fixtures.

PSL Records at Rawalpindi

PSL Records at Rawalpindi

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium serves as a key venue for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Located in Rawalpindi, Punjab, the ground has an estimated capacity of 15,000 spectators. While the stadium hosted its first international match in 1992, this section details the specific statistical records established during PSL matches held at this venue, based on available Cricsheet data.

Team Batting Records

Batting performances at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have produced significant totals in the PSL. The highest team total recorded at this venue is 263/3. This score represents the peak batting output achieved by a franchise during a league match at this specific ground.

Conversely, the lowest team total recorded at the stadium is 85/2. This figure highlights the variance in pitch conditions and bowling dominance experienced by teams competing in Rawalpindi during the PSL season.

Individual Performance Records

Individual brilliance has also been documented in the PSL records for this venue. The highest individual score at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is 145 runs, achieved by JJ Roy. This innings stands as the benchmark for batting excellence at this specific location within the competition.

In the bowling department, the best bowling figures recorded at the venue are 5/45. These figures were achieved by Abbas Afridi, marking the most dominant individual bowling performance in terms of wickets and runs conceded during a single PSL match at Rawalpindi.

These statistics reflect the specific performance metrics captured in the available data for the Pakistan Super League at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The records provide insight into the scoring patterns and individual capabilities demonstrated by players at this venue.

What is the history of international cricket at Rawalpindi?

What is the history of international cricket at Rawalpindi?

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is a cricket venue located in Rawalpindi, Punjab province, Pakistan. The ground has an estimated capacity of 15,000 spectators. It is situated in close proximity to the Pir Meher Ali Shah University and the Rawalpindi Arts Council.

International cricket at the stadium began in 1992. The first international match was played on 19 January 1992, featuring an ODI between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Following this inaugural limited-overs encounter, the venue hosted its first Test match in 1993. This historic first-class fixture occurred during a tour by Zimbabwe.

The stadium has continued to host international fixtures across formats in the decades since its debut. Available data indicates that Test cricket returned to the venue in 2019. Additionally, the ground hosted its first T20I match in 2020, marking its entry into the shortest format of the game at the international level.

While the venue has a long history of hosting ODIs and Tests, specific statistical records such as highest team totals, lowest team totals, or individual batting and bowling milestones for T20 matches at this venue are not captured in the available data. The provided sources confirm the timeline of format introductions—ODI in 1992, Test in 1993, and T20I in 2020—but do not provide detailed match scores or player statistics for these events.

Recent Renovations and Events

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium underwent significant renovations during the 2024-25 period to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy. These upgrades were aimed at modernizing the venue's infrastructure to meet international standards for hosting major tournaments. The estimated capacity of the stadium is 15,000 spectators, providing a compact yet vibrant atmosphere for cricket matches.

A notable event occurred in 2025 involving a drone incident at the stadium. This incident highlighted the growing integration of technology in cricket venues and the need for enhanced security measures during matches. The drone event drew attention to the operational challenges faced by stadium management in coordinating with local authorities and teams.

The stadium has a rich history in international cricket, having hosted its first Test match in 1993 when Zimbabwe toured Pakistan. It also played host to its first international match on 19 January 1992, featuring an ODI between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. These historical milestones underscore the venue's long-standing role in Pakistani cricket.

While specific details about the cost of the 2024-25 renovations are not provided in the available data, the improvements have positioned the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as a key venue for future cricketing events. The combination of historical significance and recent modernizations makes it an important location for both domestic and international fixtures.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium?

The stadium has an estimated capacity of 15,000 spectators.

When was the first international match played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium?

The first international match took place on 19 January 1992, featuring an ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Which league uses Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as a home ground?

The stadium is a home venue for the Rawalpindi Rulers in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and hosts various T20I matches.

When did the stadium host its first Test match?

The first Test match at the venue was played in 1993 when Zimbabwe toured Pakistan.

Where is Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium located?

It is located in Rawalpindi, Punjab province, Pakistan, close to Pir Meher Ali Shah University and the Rawalpindi Arts Council.

Summary

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium holds an estimated capacity of 15,000 and has been an international cricket venue since 1992. The ground hosted its first ODI on 19 January 1992 and its first Test match in 1993.

See also