Dubai International Cricket Stadium is a haven for cricket lovers to witness live tournaments. As a prestigious destination, this ground has hosted multiple record-breaking national and international cricket leagues.
Its ring floodlights stand out among other cricket stadiums and has an impressive seating capacity. But there is more to know about it; let’s uncover its history and facts.
- Insights into Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Location
- Transportation
- First Matches
- Notable Mentions
- Record-Breaking Performances
- Upcoming Fixtures
- FAQs
Insights into Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The impressive percentage of cricket fanatics worldwide and in the UAE has led to the inauguration of new stadiums. Sharjah Cricket Stadium once was the only stadium with queues of visitors. However, the new talk of the town is the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Known previously as Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, it is a premier destination for cricket matches. As a project of Dubai Properties, this iconic stadium is located inside the vibrant Dubai Sports City.
Awsam Matloob, a Canadian architect designed this stadium. With a seating capacity of 25,000 people, it stands out for its ‘ring of fire’ floodlights. About 350 floodlights installed on the roof illuminate the stadium from all angles. Here are some facts about the stadium:
- Although the stadium has a seating capacity of 25,000 people, it can accommodate an additional 5,000 guests.
- The stadium pitch is 148 metres and is mainly a batting pitch allowing the batsman to score a good start in an innings.
- There is ample parking space for visitors near the stadium, however, the influx of crowds might cause congestion.
Location
Dubai Sports City, Dubai, UAE
Transportation
Getting to the stadium is quick and cost-effective using multiple transportation options. If you are coming from outside the UAE, easily book a taxi from Dubai Taxi Corporation.
For people visiting from within the emirate, drive your own car or use Dubai buses. Here are a few bus stops near the location along with the popular bus routes to plan your journey.
- Sports City, Dubai Cricket Stadium 2 Bus Stop
- Popular Routes: F34, F38, J02
- Sports City, Dubai Sports City Offices 2 Bus Stop: 3 minutes drive
- Popular Bus Routes: F34, F38, J02
- JVC, Prime Business Tower 1 Bus Stop: 11 minutes drive
- Popular Bus Route: J01
A Brief History
Since its inception, the stadium has hosted some of the top cricket leagues. Some notable leagues include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Here is a quick recap of notable matches and performances:
First Matches
- April 22, 2009: Australia vs Pakistan was the first ODI match played in this stadium. Pakistan won this match by 4 wickets.
- May 07, 2009: Australia vs Pakistan was the first T20I match hosted in this stadium. Pakistan won this match by taking 7 wickets.
- November 12 to 16, 2010: South Africa vs Pakistan was the first test match hosted here. It was drawn and Younis Khan was the player of the match.
- February 07, 2019: West Indies and Pakistan played the first Women’s ODI in which West Indies won by 146 runs.
- September 26, 2023: First women’s T20I match played here between UAE and Namibia in which UAE won by 19 runs.
Notable Mentions
- The stadium hosted day-night test matches with a notable mention of hosting two in a day.
- It hosted the opening ceremony and final match of the first Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2016.
- As a mixed-venue, the stadium also hosts non-cricketing events. For instance, an MMA event was held here in 2018.
- It also hosted a few matches of the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
- Last but not least, the stadium hosted the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Record-Breaking Performances
From wicket hauls to centuries, the stadium has hosted many outstanding performances. Some record-breaking and memorable ones are listed below:
- In the first match hosted here, Shahid Afridi took a five-wicket haul against Australia.
- Azhar Ali, a Pakistani cricketer scored 302 runs (triple century) against West Indies in a 2016 test match. To date, it is one of the highest scores in Pakistan.
- Pakistan scored the highest totals against the West Indies. The score was 579/3 in the 2016 test match.
Upcoming Fixtures
Planning to witness a live cricket tournament in this stadium? Here are a few upcoming International League T20 matches that you can attend:
| Teams | Date | Time |
| Dubai Capitals and MI Emirates | January 11, 2025 | 07:00 pm |
| Gulf Giants and Sharjah Warriors | January 12, 2025 | 07:00 pm |
| Desert Vipers and Gulf Giants | January 14, 2025 | 07:30 pm |
| Desert Vipers and MI Emirates | January 16, 2025 | 07:30 pm |
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers | January 18, 2025 | 03:00 pm |
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Gulf Giants | January 19, 2025 | 07:00 pm |
| Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers | January 20, 2025 | 07:30 pm |
| Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriors | January 22, 2025 | 07:30 pm |
FAQs
Dubai Properties owns Dubai International Cricket Stadium, located inside Dubai Sports City. It is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the UAE with a 64-metre-long boundary distance.
The UAE boasts some top cricket stadiums where successful matches have been held. Some popular ones include Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium, and The Sevens Stadium.
That was an insight into Dubai International Cricket Stadium, exclusively for all cricket lovers. The stadium has seen some iconic moments in cricket history. Want to see one yourself? Buy tickets for one of the upcoming matches and witness the record-breaking matches.
Dubai Sports City has a lively sports scene, from The ELS Club to the Dubai Knights Eagles Rugby Club. If you are a sports fan, why not live and enjoy at the same place? Browse the apartments for sale in Dubai Sports City to find your picture-perfect home.
For an active lifestyle, consider the best sports communities in Dubai like Bluewaters and Remraam. Additionally, you can join sports clubs in Dubai to learn and practise your favourite sport.
