The Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is one of Pakistan’s oldest and most iconic cricket venues, located in the Punjab province. With a seating capacity of around 25,000 spectators, the ground has hosted several memorable matches across formats — from Test classics to high-scoring ODIs. Known earlier as Lyallpur Stadium and City Stadium, it has served as the home ground for Faisalabad and continues to be a key venue in international and domestic cricket.
Iqbal Stadium Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Stadium Name | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad |
| Location | Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Capacity | 25,000 |
| Known As | Lyallpur Stadium / City Stadium |
| Ends | Pavilion End, Golf Course End |
| Floodlights | Yes (installed in 2006) |
| Home Team | Faisalabad |
| Time Zone | UTC +05:00 |
Weather Conditions
During November, Faisalabad experiences mild weather — ideal for day-night cricket. The temperature usually ranges between 22°C to 28°C in the afternoon, dropping slightly in the evening. Dew can play a big role in the second innings, often making the ball slippery and aiding batting under lights. Clear skies are expected for the Pakistan vs South Africa ODI series 2025, ensuring uninterrupted play.
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Iqbal Stadium Pitch Report – Batting or Bowling?
The Iqbal Stadium pitch in Faisalabad generally supports batting, especially in limited-overs matches. The surface is made of grass soil with an even bounce, allowing stroke-makers to play freely once settled. However, spinners find assistance as the game progresses, and medium pacers get movement under lights during the initial overs.
- In ODIs, the pitch offers a balanced contest between bat and ball.
- The average first-innings score is around 228, while the second-innings average stands near 195.
- Teams batting first and chasing have almost equal success (8 wins each in 16 ODIs).
Pitch Behavior Summary
| Format | Pitch Nature | Best Suited For | Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Balanced with spin support | Bowlers (esp. spinners in 4th innings) | 339 (1st inns) |
| ODI | Good batting surface | Batters | 228 (1st inns) |
| Youth/Test Matches | Assists bowlers early, later slows down | Mixed | 260+ |
ODI Records at Iqbal Stadium
| Category | Record | Match Details |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Total | 314/7 (50 overs) | Pakistan vs New Zealand |
| Lowest Total | 151/10 (49.5 overs) | West Indies vs Pakistan |
| Highest Run Chase | 245/3 (47 overs) | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe |
| Lowest Score Defended | 157/5 (20 overs) | Pakistan vs New Zealand |
Average ODI Stats
| Innings | Average Score | Average Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 262 | 8-9 wickets |
| 2nd Innings | 207 | 8 wickets |
Test Records Summary
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 24 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 7 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 4 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 339 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 674/6 – Pakistan vs India |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 53/10 – West Indies vs Pakistan |
| Lowest Score Defended | 92/10 – Pakistan vs South Africa |
Youth Test Records
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan U19 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| England U19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| West Indies U19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| India U19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Iqbal Cricket Ground Faisalabad Venue Behavior – ODI Insights
Based on recent domestic one-day games (2024):
- Batting First Win Rate: 80%
- Average Score: 263
- Spin vs Pace Impact: Spinners perform slightly better in middle overs.
- Best Phase for Batting: 10–35 overs (when the ball stops seaming).
Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad Upcoming Fixtures – South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025
| Date | Match | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 4, 2025 (Tue) | Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st ODI | 3:30 PM |
| Nov 6, 2025 (Thu) | Pakistan vs South Africa, 2nd ODI | 3:30 PM |
| Nov 8, 2025 (Sat) | Pakistan vs South Africa, 3rd ODI | 3:30 PM |
All three matches will be day-night ODIs, played under floodlights at Faisalabad.
Conclusion
The Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad promises exciting cricketing action with its batting-friendly surface and rich history. While early swing and spin in the middle overs keep bowlers interested, batters who spend time at the crease can dominate proceedings. With the Pakistan vs South Africa ODI series 2025 scheduled here, fans can expect competitive and high-scoring matches under ideal weather conditions.
