Qaddafi Stadium — Attraction in Model Town Tehsil

Gaddafi Stadium Gaddafi Stadium, previously known as Lahore Stadium is a cricket stadium in Lahore, Pakistan and the home ground of Lahore Qalandars. It is owned by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). With a capacity of 27,000, it is the fourth largest cricket stadium of Pakistan. Gaddafi Stadium was the first in Pakistan to be equipped with modern floodlights having their own standby power generators. The headquarters of the Pakistan Cricket Board are situated at Gaddafi Stadium, thus making it the home of the Pakistan national cricket team.

It was designed by Russian-born Pakistan architect and civil engineer Nasreddin Murat-Khan, and constructed by Mian Abdul Khaliq and Company in 1959. The stadium was renovated for the 1996 Cricket World Cup when it hosted the final.

In addition to Pakistan home games and international matches, the Gaddafi Stadium has also hosted several matches of the Pakistan Super League, with the first one being the final of the 2017 edition. In March 2022, the PCB began the process to change the name of the Gaddafi Stadium to the name of a new sponsor for financial reasons.

Construction The stadium was built in 1959 and was designed by architect and civil engineer Nasreddin Murat-Khan and construction was completed by Mian Abdul Khaliq and Company. It was originally established as the Lahore Stadium.

Renaming stadium In 1974, the ground was renamed in honour of the former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi following a speech he gave at the 2nd Organisation of the Islamic Conference meeting in Lahore in favour of Pakistan's right to pursue nuclear weapons. On 23 October 2011, Pakistan Cricket Board discussed renaming the stadium following the death of Gaddafi, to support the new government in Libya. The Punjab Olympic Association made a similar request in late October 2011 to the provincial chief minister. Association secretary Idrees Haider Khawaja said, "I don't think his profile is inspirational enough to link with our cricket stadium's identity." However, the stadium's name was not changed.

Redesigned In 1995–96, the Gaddafi Stadium was renovated by architect Nayyar Ali Dada, who was qualified from National College of Arts, for the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Dada's redesign was done with red, hand-laid brickwork and arches. Dada also had plastic seating installed in place of the existing concrete benches. The lower portion under the stands was enclosed and converted to shops for boutiques and offices. Gaddafi Stadium, being the largest cricket stadium in Pakistan, used to have capacity of 65,250 spectators, until the redesigning of its enclosures reduced the capacity to 27,000

International cricket history In both 1968 and 1977, Test matches played against England were affected by riots.

In 1976 the first of three hat-tricks was taken at the stadium, by Peter Petherick of New Zealand against Pakistan on 9 October. The next was taken by Wasim Akram of Pakistan against Sri Lanka, 6 March 1999, and the third by Mohammad Sami of Pakistan against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan has enjoyed some memorable moments on the ground, including a fifth-wicket stand of 281 between Javed Miandad and Asif Iqbal against New Zealand in 1976 and an innings and 324 run win against New Zealand in 2002.

2009 Sri Lankan team attack On 3 March 2009, the scheduled third day of second Test of 2008–09 Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan, the Sri Lankan team's convoy was attacked by armed militants at Liberty Roundabout, near Gaddafi Stadium. Eight Sri Lankan players were injured, including Sri Lankan captain, Mahela Jayawardene. The Sri Lankan team was air-lifted from Gaddafi Stadium to a nearby airbase, from where they were evacuated back to Sri Lanka. This event marked brought a halt to international cricket...

Positive Review:

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has a rich history and is a beloved icon of Pakistani cricket. It has hosted some of the most memorable matches in the country's history, and has been the stage for some incredible performances by both Pakistani and international players. The stadium has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, including the addition of new stands, modern facilities, and state-of-the-art technology to enhance the spectator experience.

One of the things that makes Gaddafi Stadium so special is the passionate and enthusiastic crowd that fills the stands for every match. The energy and excitement in the air is contagious, and it's an incredible feeling to be a part of such a vibrant atmosphere. The stadium also has a unique charm, with its distinctive architecture and the famous clock tower that is visible from miles away.

In addition to its history and atmosphere, Gaddafi Stadium has also become a world-class cricket venue. The upgrades to the facilities have brought the stadium up to international standards, and it's now a popular destination for teams from around the world. The ground staff work tirelessly to maintain the pitch and the outfield, ensuring that every match is played on a high-quality playing surface.

Overall, Gaddafi Stadium is a beloved and iconic cricket venue that holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans around the world. Its history, atmosphere, and modern facilities make it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the sport.

Negative Review:

While Gaddafi Stadium is certainly a beloved and iconic cricket venue, it has not been without its share of controversies and issues over the years. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2009, when the Sri Lankan cricket team bus was attacked by terrorists outside the stadium, resulting in the deaths of several people and the cancellation of the series.

In addition to security concerns, there have also been issues with the stadium's facilities in the past. The stadium's infrastructure was outdated for many years, and it lacked many of the modern amenities and technology that are standard in international cricket venues. While upgrades have been made in recent years, there are still areas where the stadium could improve, such as increasing the number of parking spaces and providing better facilities for disabled spectators.

Another issue that has been raised about Gaddafi Stadium is the limited access to tickets for certain matches. It's not uncommon for tickets to sell out within minutes of going on sale, which can be frustrating for fans who are unable to secure seats. This has led to allegations of ticket scalping and other unfair practices, which have marred the reputation of the stadium.

Overall, while Gaddafi Stadium is a beloved and iconic cricket venue with a rich history, it has not been without its share of controversies and issues over the years. Security concerns, outdated facilities, and limited access to tickets are just some of the issues that have been raised in the past. While improvements have been made, there is still room for the stadium to continue to evolve and improve in the...

Qaddafi Stadium, also spelled as Gaddafi Stadium, is a prominent cricket stadium located in Lahore, Pakistan. It holds a significant place in the history of cricket and is one of the most iconic sports venues in the country. Here is a detailed overview of Qaddafi Stadium:

Location and History: Qaddafi Stadium is situated in the heart of Lahore, the capital city of the Punjab province in Pakistan. It was originally constructed in 1959 and was named after Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, the former Libyan leader, in 1974.

Capacity: The stadium has a seating capacity of around 27,000 spectators, making it one of the larger cricket stadiums in Pakistan. The seating arrangement includes both general seating and VIP enclosures.

Cricket Matches: Qaddafi Stadium has hosted a plethora of international and domestic cricket matches over the years. It has been the venue for numerous test matches, one-day internationals, and T20 internationals. Some memorable cricket events, including the 1996 Cricket World Cup matches, have taken place at this stadium.

Facilities: The stadium offers modern facilities for both players and spectators. It has well-maintained pitches, practice nets, and dressing rooms. For spectators, there are various stands and enclosures, including the Fazal Mahmood Enclosure, Imran Khan Enclosure, and Wasim Akram Enclosure, named after legendary Pakistani cricketers. The stadium also houses a cricket academy to nurture young talent.

Architecture: The architecture of Qaddafi Stadium is distinctive, with its circular design and floodlight towers, which make it an easily recognizable landmark in Lahore.

Historical Significance: Many historic cricketing moments have been witnessed at Qaddafi Stadium, and it holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan. It was here that the legendary cricketer Hanif Mohammad scored a record-breaking 337 runs in a test match against the West Indies in 1958.

Security and Accessibility: Due to security concerns, access to the stadium is tightly controlled during matches, with stringent security checks in place. The stadium is well-connected to the city, making it accessible for fans and players alike.

Renovations: Over the years, Qaddafi Stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades to meet modern cricketing standards and accommodate a larger audience.

Entertainment Events: In addition to cricket, the stadium has also hosted various entertainment events, concerts, and cultural shows.

Legacy: Qaddafi Stadium remains a symbol of Pakistan's love for cricket and its rich cricketing history. It continues to be a venue where cricket fans gather to witness thrilling matches and create unforgettable memories.

In summary, Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, is a historic and iconic cricket stadium with a rich legacy in the sport. It has witnessed numerous memorable cricketing moments and continues to be a hub for cricket enthusiasts and sports events...