Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Dubai International Cricket Stadium [Source: @AJpadhi/x.com]
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, formerly known as the Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, is one of UAE’s leading cricketing stadiums. Located in the heart of Dubai, this multi-purpose stadium has hosted numerous thrilling encounters, making it a go-to venue for international cricket tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Famous for its "Ring of Fire" lighting system, the stadium has witnessed some unforgettable moments, cementing its place in cricket history. It is also playing host to the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium History
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium made its debut on April 22, 2009, when Pakistan and Australia played an ODI, with Pakistan emerging victorious. Since then, this iconic venue has been a hotspot for cricketing action, playing host to Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is.
Shahid Afridi etched his name into the record books with a scintillating 6/38 against Australia during the stadium’s first ODI, while Azhar Ali's magnificent 302* against West Indies in 2016 remains the highest individual Test score at the ground.
From hosting the IPL's first leg in 2014 to becoming a key venue for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Dubai International Cricket Stadium has consistently been at the centre of major cricketing events.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Capacity
With an original seating capacity of 25,000, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium can expand to accommodate up to 30,000 spectators.
The stadium's innovative design, which includes the famous "Ring of Fire" floodlighting system, enhances the viewing experience, making it a modern marvel in the cricketing world.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium has undergone significant transformation over the years. Initially, it favoured bowlers, especially spinners, but during the IPL 2020, the pitch conditions improved for batting, leading to higher average scores.
While the pitch remains balanced, it offers something for both batsmen and bowlers, depending on the format and conditions.
Is Dubai International Cricket Stadium a Batting or a Bowling Pitch?
Dubai International Cricket Stadium provides a balanced playing surface. T20 matches have seen some high scores, with teams batting first having a slight advantage.
The pitch tends to favour the batsmen initially, especially under lights, but bowlers—particularly spinners—come into play as the game progresses. The records suggest a slight edge for teams batting second, as chasing has proven successful on multiple occasions.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Weather Report
Dubai's weather is typically hot and dry, with temperatures often soaring during the day. However, most matches are scheduled in the evenings, when the temperatures are relatively cooler, providing ideal conditions for players.
The absence of rain makes it a reliable venue for hosting matches, ensuring smooth proceedings under the floodlights.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium T20I Records
First T20 Match | 7 May 2009 |
---|---|
Last T20 Match | 14 March 2024 |
Matches Played | 92 |
Matches Won Batting First | 45 (48.91%) |
Matches Won Batting Second | 47 (51.09%) |
Highest Individual Innings | 122* - Virat Kohli (India) |
Best Bowling | 5/4 - Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India) |
Highest Team Innings | 212/2 - India vs Afghanistan (2022) |
Lowest Team Innings | 55 - West Indies vs England (2021) |
Highest Run Chase Achieved | 184/8 - Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (2022) |
Average Score Batting First | 145 |
Dubai International Cricket Stadium ODI Records
First ODI Match | 22 April 2009 |
---|---|
Last ODI Match | 07 March 2024 |
Matches Played | 58 |
Matches Won Batting First | 22 (37.93%) |
Matches Won Batting Second | 34 (58.62%) |
Matches Tied | 1 (1.72%) |
Matches with No Result | 1 (1.72%) |
Highest Individual Innings | 144 - Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh) |
Best Bowling | 6/38 - Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) |
Highest Team Innings | 355/5 - England vs Pakistan (2015) |
Lowest Team Innings | 91 - Namibia vs UAE (2023) |
Highest Run Chase Achieved | 287/8 - Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (2013) |
Average Score Batting First | 219 |
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Test Records
First Test Match | 12 November 2010 |
---|---|
Last Test Match | 24 November 2018 |
Matches Played | 13 |
Matches Won Batting First | 6 (46.15%) |
Matches Won Batting Second | 4 (30.77%) |
Matches Drawn | 3 (23.08%) |
Highest Individual Innings | 302* - Azhar Ali (Pakistan) |
Best Bowling (Innings) | 8/41 - Yasir Shah (Pakistan) |
Highest Team Innings | 579/3 dec - Pakistan vs West Indies (2016) |
Lowest Team Innings | 90 - New Zealand vs Pakistan (2018) |
Highest Run Chase Achieved | 137/1 - Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (2014) |
Average Score Batting First | 336 |
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Address
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is located in Dubai Sports City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The exact address is Prime Business Centre - Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd - Jumeirah Village - Dubai Sports City - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
As one of the leading cricket venues in the region, it is easily accessible from major areas in Dubai and offers world-class facilities for fans and players alike.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: FAQs
Q.1. How many cricket stadiums are in Dubai?
Answer: Dubai is home to three main cricket stadiums: the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Q.2. What is the Dubai International Stadium commonly called as?
Answer: The Dubai International Stadium is commonly referred to as Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, as it is a key part of the Dubai Sports City complex.
Q.3. How much did the cricket stadium in Dubai cost?
Answer: While there isn't a confirmed cost for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi cost around $22 million to build and is recognized as one of the finest cricket venues globally.
Q.4. Which country has the largest cricket stadium?
Answer: India has the largest cricket stadium in the world—the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Q.5. Which is the biggest stadium in Dubai?
Answer: The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is the biggest cricket stadium in Dubai, with a seating capacity of 25,000, expandable to 30,000.