Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), formerly Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the UAE. It is part of the Dubai Sports City, a sprawling 500-acre complex featuring world-class sporting infrastructure, residential areas, and entertainment facilities. Designed by Canadian architect Awsam Matloob, DICS combines modern architecture with advanced sporting amenities, including high-tech floodlights, LED scoreboards, VIP lounges, and media centers.
The stadium is widely recognized for hosting high-profile ODIs, T20Is, and ICC tournaments, including semi-finals and finals of global competitions. With seating for 25,000 spectators, expandable to 30,000, it caters to international tournaments and high-stakes leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Its versatile design also allows for non-cricketing events like concerts, corporate gatherings, and exhibitions.
📍 Location & Accessibility
- Address: Dubai Sports City, Dubai, UAE
- The stadium is easily accessible from Dubai city center and is close to Al Maktoum International Airport (~25 km) and Dubai International Airport (~30 km).
- Public transport and road networks (Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Road) provide easy connectivity.
- Nearby amenities include luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment hubs, making it convenient for visiting fans and tourists.
🏏 Cricket History
- The stadium was inaugurated as a premier cricket venue and has hosted numerous T20Is, ODIs, and PSL matches.
- 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: Hosted Semi-Final 2 (India vs Pakistan) and Final (Australia vs New Zealand), making it a global cricket hotspot.
- DICS has hosted several bilateral series involving Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Its pitch is known for batting-friendly conditions, especially in T20s, with true bounce and fast outfield supporting high-scoring games.
🌟 Key Highlights
- First-class infrastructure, including LED scoreboards, media center, and VIP lounges.
- Modern floodlights for seamless day-night matches.
- Seating capacity of 25,000, expandable to 30,000 for mega-events.
- Located within Dubai Sports City, with hotels, gyms, and training facilities.
- Pitch and outfield maintained with state-of-the-art drainage and irrigation systems, ensuring top-quality playing conditions even in wet weather.
- Fully equipped for international and domestic T20, ODI matches, and non-cricket events like concerts.
Famous Matches & Records
- 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Semi-Final 2: India vs Pakistan, famous for its intense rivalry and massive viewership.
- 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final: Australia vs New Zealand, where Australia secured the title.
- PSL matches: All high-profile playoff and final matches hosted in UAE are played here, including electrifying encounters involving Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, and Lahore Qalandars.
- Bilateral ODI and T20I matches, including Pakistan vs India and Pakistan vs New Zealand.
- Known for high-scoring T20 games due to small boundary dimensions (65–70 meters) and flat pitch.
Fan Experience
- Comfortable seating, VIP lounges, and corporate hospitality.
- Multiple refreshment options, including local and international cuisine.
- Modern facilities like clean restrooms, easy entry and exit gates, and ample parking.
- Electrifying crowd atmosphere during T20 tournaments and ICC events.
- Accessibility for international fans and tourists due to nearby hotels, public transport, and scenic Dubai surroundings.
- Stadium screens, giant scoreboards, and LED displays enhance engagement and provide a premium viewing experience.
Pitch Report & Conditions
- T20s and ODIs: Batting paradise with short boundaries and fast outfield.
- Spin & Pace: Pacers get early movement; spinners assist in middle overs with variations.
- Dew Factor: Night matches favor chasing teams due to moisture on the outfield and ball skidding.
- Average Scores: T20s ~160–190, ODIs ~250–300.
- Outfield: Lush and fast; maintained with modern sprinklers and drainage system.
