The Gaddafi Stadium is a cricket stadium and a symbol of Pakistan cricket. It is located in the heart of Lahore, and this stadium has hosted some memorable moments in international cricket history. From the finals of the World Cup to other series, the Gaddafi Stadium is the centre of world cricket. The stadium is known for its contemporary architecture, infrastructure, atmosphere, and history. Gaddafi Stadium is one of Asia’s best cricket grounds. After the renovations, the cricket stadium has evolved as a venue that is capable of hosting cricket events and world tours.
Gaddafi Stadium: Overview
The Gaddafi Stadium is Pakistan’s best cricket stadium and serves as the headquarters of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Since the 1950s, the stadium has evolved in terms of architecture and technologically and also preserving its history. The cricket stadium has played an important role in Pakistan’s comeback to global cricket after so many years and continues to host various matches under many formats.
Stadium Name
Gaddafi Stadium
Former Name
Lahore Stadium
Location
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Established
1959
Seating Capacity
34,000
Owner
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Operator
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Tenants
Pakistan National Cricket Team, Punjab Cricket Team, Lahore Qalandars (PSL)
End Names
Pavilion End, College End
Floodlights
Yes (modern LED floodlights)
Pitch Type
Natural grass pitch
Stadium Type
International Cricket Stadium
Gaddafi Stadium History
The Gaddafi Stadium was established in 1959 and was also known by the name Lahore Stadium till 1974. Later, the stadium was renamed after Muammar Gaddafi’s speech at the Islamic Summit conference held in Lahore. Over the years, the stadium has seen many historic matches, like the ICC World Cup Final 1966. It is one of the prominent cricket grounds in the world.
The Cricket Stadium has played an important role in Pakistan cricket till the international matches stopped after the year 2009, and in the late 2010s, hosted international team matches like Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Gaddafi Stadium Architecture
The Gaddafi Stadium architecture is integrated with functions and aesthetics. Its design has emerged importantly with the renovation led by Pakistani architect Nayyar Ali Dada. The architecture of the stadium contains a Circular two-level seating design providing uninterrupted views from all angles, an LED floodlight system meeting international broadcast criteria, Spacious, air-conditioned rooms with fitness, recovery, and strategy areas, and large digital scoreboards and LED screens for live scores, stats, and replays. Given below are the details:
Two-tier Full Circle Stands
Circular two-level seating design providing uninterrupted views from all angles
Modern Floodlights
Advanced LED floodlight system meeting international broadcast standards
VIP Pavilions & Corporate Boxes
Premium enclosures with luxury seating, lounges, and hospitality services
High-quality Drainage System
Efficient underground drainage enables a quick resumption after rain
Player Dressing Rooms
Spacious, air-conditioned rooms with fitness, recovery, and strategy areas
Media & Broadcasting Zone
Dedicated media centre with commentary boxes, press rooms, and broadcast facilities
Digital Scoreboards & LED Replay Screens
Large digital scoreboards and LED screens for live scores, stats, and instant replays
Gaddafi Stadium Weather, Location and Accessibility
The Gaddafi Stadium is located on Ferozepur Road, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Talking about gaddafi stadium lahore weather, it has mixed weather: Hot summers, mild winters, and occasional rain. Its nearest railway station is Lahore Junction Railway Station, which is 6Km to 7Km away. To reach the stadium, you can use the transport alternatives like Ride-hailing services, buses, metrobus, and taxis. Speaking of some nearest tourist destinations near the stadium, including Liberty Market, Lahore Zoo, Jilani Park, Badshahi Mosque & Lahore Fort.
Exact Location
Ferozepur Road, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Weather Patterns
Hot summers, mild winters, occasional rain
Nearest Railway Station
Lahore Junction Railway Station (6–7 km)
Transport Options
Ride-hailing services, buses, metrobus, taxis
Nearest Tourist Spots
Liberty Market, Lahore Zoo, Jilani Park, Badshahi Mosque & Lahore Fort
Gaddafi Stadium Capacity and Ticket
The Gaddafi Stadium’s current capacity is 35,000, and you can buy the online ticket from the PCB official portal, Bookme.pk, and partner apps. The ticket price ranges between PKR 500 to PKR 15,000 (Rs 160 to Rs 4800). Given below are the details:
Current Capacity
34,000
Online Ticket Portals
PCB official portal, Bookme.pk, partner apps
Ticket Price
PKR 500 to PKR 15,000 (Rs 160 to Rs 4800)
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
Below are the details of the gaddafi stadium lahore pitch report, presented for you in a table:
Surface
Natural grass wicket
Bounce
True and consistent bounce
Dew Factor
Dew often affects night matches, favouring batting second
Recommended Strategy
Bowl first after winning the toss in limited-overs matches
Best Suited For
Batters and fast bowlers under lights; spinners in longer formats
Average First Innings ODI Score
250–270 runs
Average T20 Score
165–175 runs
Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Records and Stats
Given below, let’s see some of the famous records that have been made in the gaddafi stadium lahore with details presented:
Record
Stats
First International Match
Pakistan vs Australia (Test, 1959)
First ODI Match
Pakistan vs England (1978)
First T20I Match
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe (2008)
Highest Team Total (ODI)
Over 370 runs
Lowest Team Total (ODI)
Under 100 runs
Highest Individual Score (Test)
Triple century (300+)
Best Bowling Figures (Test)
7+ wickets in an innings
Most Runs at the Stadium
Multiple Pakistani batters across formats
Most Wickets at the Stadium
Leading Pakistani bowlers
Highest Successful Run Chase (ODI)
300+ runs
Matches Hosted (All Formats)
100+ international matches
World Cup Matches Hosted
ICC World Cup 1996 (including Final)
Day/Night Matches
Frequently hosted
Home Team Win Percentage
High success rate for Pakistan
First and Last Matches Played in Gaddafi Stadium
Let’s see below the first and last matches played in the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore in all the formats, including Tests, ODIs, T20Is, WODIs, WT20Is, and YODIs.
Test Matches
Category
Match Details
First Test Match
Pakistan vs Australia – November 21–26, 1959
Last Test Match
Pakistan vs South Africa – October 12–15, 2025
ODI Matches
Category
Match Details
First ODI Match
Pakistan vs England – January 13, 1978
Last ODI Match
New Zealand vs South Africa – March 05, 2025
T20I Matches
Category
Match Details
First T20I Match
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan – May 22, 2015
Last T20I Match
South Africa vs Pakistan – November 01, 2025
WODI Matches
Category
Match Details
First WODI Match
Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women – November 02, 2019
Last WODI Match
South Africa Women vs Pakistan Women – September 22, 2025
WT20I Matches
Category
Match Details
First WT20I Match
Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women – October 26, 2019
Last WT20I Match
Ireland Women vs Pakistan Women – November 16, 2022
YODI Matches
Category
Match Details
First Youth ODI Match
New Zealand Under-19 vs Pakistan Under-19 – February 09, 1994
Last Youth ODI Match
Pakistan Under-19 vs India Under-19 – September 24, 2006
Conclusion
Gaddafi Stadium, located in Lahore, Pakistan, is the heart of Pakistani cricket. Its history, contemporary facilities, location, infrastructure, and excited crowd make it one of the best stadiums in the world. From World Cup moments to the return of international cricket, the Gaddafi Stadium continues to motivate players and fans. The Pakistan cricket team has built up a reputation in world cricket.
