Top 3 Cricket Stadium in UAE - United Arab Emirates

Introduction

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its world-class cricket facilities. The UAE government has built many international standard stadiums for different sports. UAE is providing opportunities for youngsters to polish their talent to compete with the world. UAE has built many international standard cricket stadiums for cricket lovers. UAE is the second home for many cricket-playing countries. They have built many cricket academies and training centers for cricketers to improve their fitness as well. United Arab Emirates (UAE) now has a cricket team which is improving day by day.

UAE cricket grounds are the first priority for Pakistani, Indian, Sri Lankan, and Afghanistan cricket boards to host matches if respective countries cannot host matches in their own countries due to any reasons. UAE has hosted matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), ICC Cricket World Cup and Asia Cup. The ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and Asia Cup 2022 editions were also played in UAE. Asia Cup 2022 was shifted to the UAE due to economic crises in Sri Lanka. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hosted their matches in UAE for about 10 years.

Today, I am going to share with you details of the top best cricket stadiums in UAE.

1. Dubai International Cricket Stadium
2. Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium
3. Sharjah Cricket Stadium

1. Dubai International Cricket Stadium

The stadium is located on Shiekh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Dubai Sports City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was opened on April 22, 2009, with a cost of approx. 75 Million Euros to build and has a seating capacity of almost 25,000 for cricket lovers. It is owned by Dubai Properties. This stadium has world-class floodlights which provide high-quality visuals in the stadium and also on TV screens. The architect for this project was famous Canadian architect, Awsam Matloob. This stadium has world-class infrastructure. This stadium is the home ground for the United Arab Emirates national cricket team and UAE franchise league team Dubai Capital.

The first match was played here ODI between Pakistan and Australia in 2009. This stadium is the second home ground for Pakistan to host their matches. Apart from cricket matches, this stadium witnessed an Indian musical concert in 2013. Dubai International Stadium hosted Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches for 4 consecutive years. PSL 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 edition matches were played here. Stadium has hosted Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in 2020 and 2021. Asia Cup 2018 and 2022 edition matches were also played here. It hosted the ICC tournament for the first time in 2021 as the ICC T20 World Cup was shifted from India to UAE. Dubai Cricket Stadium is the home ground for the UAE-based franchise cricket league International League T20.

2. Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium

Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium is also known as Sheikh Zayed Stadium. It is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The stadium cost 23 Million Dollars to build. The stadium was opened in 2004 and has a seating capacity of 20,000 for fans to watch their favorite players in the stadium. It has world-class infrastructure and international-level facilities. It is operated by the Emirates Cricket Board. The architect for this project was Michael. Abu Dhabi Stadium is the home ground of the UAE national cricket team, UAE T20 franchise league teams Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and MI Emirates.

The First International match was played here ODI between Pakistan and India in 2006. The stadium is the second home ground for Pakistan and Afghanistan national cricket teams. Sheikh Zayed Stadium hosted Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches for 4 consecutive years. PSL 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 edition matches were played here. Stadium has hosted Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in 2020 and 2021. Asia Cup 2018 and 2022 edition matches were also played here. It hosted the ICC tournament for the first time in 2021 as the ICC T20 World Cup was shifted from India to UAE. Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium has also hosted matches of the T10 League. Stadium recently hosted matches of the International League T20.

3. Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Sharjah Cricket Stadium is located in the Industrial Area, Industrial Area 5, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Sharjah Cricket Stadium was opened in 1982 and has a seating capacity of 16,000 for cricket lovers. It has world-class infrastructure and facilities. The stadium is owned by Bukhtir Group and the architect for this project was Peter Hudson Buckle & Partners. This stadium is the home ground of the UAE national cricket team. Stadium holds the record for the most ODIs hosted in a venue. Sharjah Cricket Stadium has hosted 240 ODI matches which is a world record also registered in the Guinness Book of World Records. The first match was played here ODI in 1984 between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

This stadium is the home of cricket in UAE. Sharjah Cricket Stadium hosted Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches for 4 consecutive years. PSL 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 edition matches were played here. Stadium has hosted Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in 2020 and 2021. Asia Cup 2018 and 2022 edition matches were also played here. It hosted the ICC tournament for the first time in 2021 as the ICC T20 World Cup was shifted from India to UAE. This stadium has hosted the inaugural edition of the T10 League in 2017. This stadium is the second home ground of the Pakistan Cricket Team and Afghanistan Cricket Team. Sharjah Cricket Stadium hosted matches of the inaugural edition of UAE-based T20 franchise league International League T20.

Conclusion

Which stadium is best for you to watch a live match in the stadium in UAE? Tell us in the comments! If you ask me, I will definitely say Dubai International Stadium because of its floodlights and stands. It provides decent facilities to spectators as well to enjoy the match. But Sharjah Cricket Stadium is my second priority. Due to its rich history and records, I would love to visit that stadium and enjoy it there. If you have experience with any match that you watched in above mentioned stadiums, share it with us in the comments. Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many international cricket stadiums are there in the UAE?

A: The UAE is home to three main international cricket stadiums: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Q: What is the capacity of Dubai International Cricket Stadium?

A: Dubai International Cricket Stadium has a seating capacity of 25,000, which can be expanded to 30,000 for larger events.

Q: Can the cricket stadiums in the UAE be used for other purposes?

A: Yes, the stadiums are multi-purpose and can host a variety of events, including football matches and concerts.

Q: What are some unique features of the UAE cricket stadiums?

A: The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for its “Ring of Fire” floodlights, which eliminate shadows of players on the field, providing excellent visibility for night matches.

Q: Which cricket stadium in the UAE has hosted the most international matches? 

A: Sharjah Cricket Stadium holds the record for hosting the most One Day International (ODI) matches in the world.