The Jinnah Stadium, formerly known as Municipal Stadium, is a multipurpose stadium in Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan.[2] It is used mostly for cricket matches. Built in 1981, the creator of this stadium is Alhaj Muhammad Aslam Butt (former mayor of Gujranwala).[3] [4] This stadium can accommodate 20,000 spectators and is known for having one of the fastest pitches in the world.[5][6]
Jinnah Stadium is the largest stadium in Gujranwala, followed by the Mini Stadium, an association of football ground which has a capacity of 15,000.[citation needed] Since 2000, due to lack of international matches has led to the stadium being used for political rallies.[7][8][9] The absence of a five-star hotel in Gujranwala is cited as the main reason for the lack of international matches at the venue.[6]
Jinnah Stadium was built as Municipal Stadium in 1981.[5][6] It hosted its first and only Test match in 1991.[10] Over the years, cricketers such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Sanath Jayasuriya have played at Jinnah Stadium.[6] Sachin Tendulkar made his ODI cricket debut in 1989 at this ground.[11] The last ODI match played there was between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2000 and was the first ODI match Aleem Dar umpired.[12]
This stadium hosted an ODI match in the 1996 Cricket World Cup between Pakistan and UAE.[13]
The following table summarizes the One-Day International centuries scored at Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala [14]
Only 1 five wicket haul has been taken at Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala[15]