All about the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi
When fans gather in the thousands and even hundreds to support their favourite teams, the atmosphere is just electrifying. Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi is not only a hugely impressive stadium in the UAE but has also hosted some memorable matches. The stadium has had the honour of hosting massive tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup, Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Indian Premier League (IPL), T10 League, International League T20 matches and more. So, what is the history of this iconic stadium? Continue reading to know more.
SHEIKH ZAYED STADIUM ABU DHABI – AN OVERVIEW
There can be little debate that Sharjah Cricket Stadium laid the foundation for cricket in the UAE. The historical clashes between India and Pakistan at the stadium throughout the 80s and 90s shaped cricket in the country in many ways. However, since the mid-2000s, Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi has created its own legacy….and it’s a rich one.
Named after the Founding Father of the UAE, His Highness (Late) Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may he forever rest in peace), the stadium was established in 2004. Almost $22 million was spent on installing modern facilities in the cricket stadium, including floodlights. Presently, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium’s capacity is 20,000.
THE LAYOUT
The Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium layout is quite interesting and fairly different from other cricket grounds in the region. You have two main stands, and there is a large, lush green grass bank for spectators to sit and enjoy the match. This is similar to what you will find in some of New Zealand and South Africa’s famous cricket stadiums. Interestingly there is no separate pavilion either. There are air-conditioned dressing rooms beneath one stand, where teams can prepare for the epic battle ahead.
There are multiple pitches in the main square allowing the stadium to host matches regularly. More importantly, all fixtures are carried out without impacting the quality of cricket. The two ends of the stadium are called the North End and Pavilion End, respectively.
CRICKETING HISTORY
Here are a few snippets of info about the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium:
- Initial first-class match: Scotland vs Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup in November 2004.
- First ODI: India v Pakistan in the Friendship Cup in 2006
- First Test: Pakistan v South Africa in 2010
- First T20: Afghanistan v Scotland in 2010
So far, the stadium has hosted 15 test matches, 51 ODIs and 75 T20Is. Initially, tri-nation tournaments were expected to take place in the stadium, like we had seen in Sharjah in the past. But when the Pakistan Cricket Team made UAE their cricketing base, the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium hosted some classic and thrilling series from 2010 to 2017.
A similar arrangement has been made with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, who now play their home series in the UAE. While fans of both Pakistan and Afghanistan have missed out on seeing their heroes on their home turf, these matches have certainly raised the profile of all the stadiums across the UAE, including the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium Abu Dhabi.
SHEIKH ZAYED CRICKET STADIUM ABU DHABI’S CURATOR
In 2004, Mohan Singh was recruited to be the curator of the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi. We can say that choice of personnel was a masterstroke, and he served cricket with distinction for 16 years. Unfortunately, he passed away aged 45 in 2021.
Over the years, due to excellent work by Mohan and his team, we have seen world-class performances by legendary batters and bowlers like AB de Villiers, Alastair Cook, Shane Watson, Saeed Ajmal, Younus Khan, Kumara Sangakkara, Chris Gayle, Dale Steyn, Kevin Pietersen and others.
FAQS
WHAT IS THE SHEIKH ZAYED CRICKET STADIUM LOCATION?
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium’s location is Khalifa City.
WHAT SPORTING EVENTS WILL BE HOSTED IN DUBAI THIS YEAR?
Loads of exciting tournaments are scheduled. Check out our list of 2023 sporting events in Dubai to find out which interest you most.
WHICH ARE THE TOP SPORTS BARS IN ABU DHABI?
Want to watch your favourite teams compete with your friends? Here’s a list of top sports bars in Abu Dhabi you can check out.
This concludes our look at one of the most popular stadiums in the region. With exciting tournaments in the country often, it’s a great time to be a cricket fan in the UAE. Who knows, the authorities might work to increase the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium’s capacity.
Along with this cricket arena, there are other stadiums in Abu Dhabi catering to different sports. Similarly, there are some top-class stadiums in Dubai too.
Visit MyBayut to learn more about the top sporting facilities in the UAE.
