Multan Cricket Stadium, inaugurated in August 2001, is a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of Punjab, Pakistan. Built as a replacement for the historic but outdated Qasim Bagh Stadium, it represents the modern face of cricket infrastructure in South Punjab.
With a seating capacity of around 30,000 spectators, the stadium is equipped with floodlights, digital scoreboards, corporate boxes, media enclosures, and practice facilities, ensuring it meets ICC international standards.
The stadium serves multiple roles:
- International Matches: Regular host for Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals.
- PSL Venue: Home ground of Multan Sultans, who receive overwhelming fan support here.
- Domestic Cricket Hub: Venue for Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and national T20 tournaments.
- Cultural & Entertainment Events: Occasionally used for concerts, national day celebrations, and regional sports.
Its modern architecture, lush green outfield, and balanced pitch make it one of the most versatile cricket venues in Asia.
đź“Ť Location
- Located on Vehari Road, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.
- Distance: 10 km from Multan city center, 15 km from Multan International Airport.
- Well connected via M-5 Motorway (Multan-Sukkur Motorway), linking it with Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.
- Nearby facilities: luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and local markets, which serve the thousands of fans who travel during PSL and international matches.
- The stadium is surrounded by open areas, ensuring better security arrangements compared to congested stadiums in big cities.
Its location in South Punjab makes it the primary cricketing hub for millions of fans in Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and nearby regions.
🏏 Cricket History
- 2001: First-ever Test match – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, part of the Asian Test Championship.
- 2003: First ODI – Pakistan vs Bangladesh.
- 2004: The stadium grabbed global attention when Virender Sehwag scored an iconic 309 runs against Pakistan, the first triple-century by an Indian in Test cricket.
- 2006: Hosted India-Pakistan ODI series; memorable high-scoring games witnessed.
- 2008–2019: Due to security concerns, international cricket stopped in Pakistan, and the stadium mostly hosted domestic tournaments.
- 2020: International cricket revived with the Pakistan vs Zimbabwe ODI series.
- 2022: Hosted Pakistan vs West Indies ODIs, marking the return of full international action with packed stands.
- 2023: Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI series was held here, cementing Multan’s role as a trusted international venue.
The stadium is historically significant not just for its matches but also as a symbol of the revival of international cricket in Pakistan.
🌟 Key Highlights
- Capacity: 30,000
- Opened: 2001
- Owner: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
- Home Team: Multan Sultans (PSL)
- Pitch Nature: Traditionally batting-friendly but assists spinners as the game progresses.
- Outfield: Fast, lush green, considered one of the best in Pakistan.
- Floodlights: Modern floodlight system, suitable for day-night matches.
- Facilities:
- VIP enclosures
- Corporate boxes
- Spacious dressing rooms
- Media & commentary boxes
- Practice pitches and indoor nets
- Accessibility: Well-designed parking and entry system to handle large crowds.
🎯 Famous Matches
- 2001 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Inaugural Test match at the venue.
- 2004 – Pakistan vs India: Virender Sehwag’s 309-run knock – a historic triple century.
- 2006 – Pakistan vs India ODI: High scoring thriller, a classic Indo-Pak clash.
- 2020 – PSL Season: Electrifying atmosphere as Multan Sultans won key home games.
- 2022 – Pakistan vs West Indies ODI Series: Marked full return of international cricket, packed crowd despite summer heat.
- 2023 – Pakistan vs New Zealand: Another major ODI series hosted successfully.
🎉 Fan Experience
The passion of Multan fans is unmatched. They are known for their love, energy, and colorful celebrations.
- Atmosphere: During PSL, the stadium turns into a festival ground with music, chants, and fireworks.
- Food Culture: Traditional Punjabi food stalls serve samosas, gol gappay, jalebi, lassi, and karahi outside the stadium.
- Chants & Support: The entire ground echoes with “Sultan! Sultan!” during PSL matches.
- Family Friendly: Affordable ticketing makes it accessible to families and students.
- Hospitality: Multan’s warm and welcoming culture ensures visitors (even foreign fans) have memorable experiences.
- Entertainment: Cultural performances, dhol beats, and regional music add a local flavor to the cricket carnival.
For South Punjab, the stadium is not just a venue – it is a symbol of identity, pride, and cricketing passion.
