Gaddafi Stadium Match: History, Records & Visitor Guide
Gaddafi Stadium has seen everything: World Cup finals, six silent years after the 2009 attack, PSL rebirths, and a 117-day rebuild that made it one of Asia’s most modern grounds. This is the complete guide to matches at Pakistan’s biggest cricket venue.
Quick answer: Gaddafi Stadium on Ferozepur Road, Lahore — capacity around 34,000 — is Pakistan’s largest cricket ground, home of the Lahore Qalandars and the PCB. Opened in 1959, rebuilt in 1995–96 and again in 2024–25, it hosted the 1996 World Cup final and three PSL finals.
In this guide
History: from Lahore Stadium to fortress
Opened in 1959 as Lahore Stadium — designed by architect Nasreddin Murat-Khan — it hosted its first Test (Pakistan v Australia) the same year. In 1974 it was renamed for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi after his OIC summit speech in Lahore. The 1995–96 rebuild by Nayyar Ali Dada added Mughal-inspired red brickwork and arches for the 1996 World Cup. Then came the 2024–25 transformation: capacity from 21,500 to 34,000, stands brought 20 feet closer to the action, LED floodlights, two big replay screens, new Jinnah and Iqbal end pavilions, hospitality boxes and a new PCB headquarters — finished in just 117 days and inaugurated by PM Shehbaz Sharif on 7 February 2025.
Records and famous matches
- 1996 World Cup final: Sri Lanka beat Australia in front of 62,645 — still Pakistan’s record cricket attendance (Aravinda de Silva’s unbeaten 107).
- 41 Tests, 72 ODIs, 29 T20Is — the most internationals of any Pakistani ground.
- Three PSL finals (2017, 2022, 2023) and 49 PSL matches through 2024 — the league’s spiritual home.
- 2025: four ICC Champions Trophy matches including the second semi-final — Pakistan’s first ICC event on home soil in 29 years.
- 2026: four tri-series ODIs (25, 27, 29, 31 October) and a Test (17–21 November) are next.
Pitch report: what to expect
Gaddafi has a reputation as a good batting surface — true pace, consistent bounce, and short square boundaries that reward aggressive strokeplay. Seamers can find early movement under lights, and winter dew makes chasing easier; captains often prefer to bowl first in day-night games. Big PSL totals are common here — the ground has hosted some of the league’s highest-scoring thrillers.
Visiting: tickets, gates and seats
Tickets go on sale online at pcb.tcs.com.pk — general enclosures for the October 2026 tri-series cost Rs 200–400. Bring your original CNIC; copies aren’t accepted. The stadium sits on Ferozepur Road in Gulberg, about 15 km from the airport and 8 km from Lahore Junction station; the Kalma Chowk Metrobus stop is closest, with match-day shuttles. Arrive two hours early — security is thorough and Ferozepur Road clogs badly. Power banks, helmets and outside food are banned; flags are encouraged. For fixtures see our Lahore match schedule and the Lahore match guide.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of Gaddafi Stadium?
Around 34,000 after the 2024–25 renovation, which added about 10,000 seats. In the late 1990s it held over 60,000.
Where is Gaddafi Stadium located?
On Ferozepur Road in Gulberg, Lahore — about 15 km from Allama Iqbal International Airport and 8 km from Lahore Junction railway station. The Kalma Chowk Metrobus station is the nearest public-transport stop.
Which team plays at Gaddafi Stadium?
The Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, plus Pakistan’s national team. It is also the headquarters of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Can I visit Gaddafi Stadium on a non-match day?
The outer complex is accessible but the stands and playing area are closed. The real experience is a match day — check the Lahore match schedule.
