Test cricket returned to Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the 2019 two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The first test match was held from 11–15 December 2019 in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
History
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was established in 1992 and replaced Pindi Club Ground as an international stadium.[4][5] It is the home ground of Islamabad United and Northern cricket team.[4] Before the construction of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi Club Cricket Ground had been used as a venue for international matches, including one Test match against New Zealand that was held in March 1965.[6]
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was a prime spot in the 1995–96 Cricket World Cup. With an eye on the that World Cup, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled a new Test venue for the second Test against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi, becoming the country's 14th Test ground. The floodlights were added in late 2001 when the Australians were set to tour the region. The stadium is just 20 minutes from the capital Islamabad and is the only international cricket stadium in the Islamabad Capital territory.
This stadium is the home ground and international debut ground of world's fastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar who is called with the nickname of Rawalpindi Express.
In the 2nd ODI of 2004 Samsung ODI series, while other Indian batters are getting struggling with the pace and spin attack of Pakistan, Sachin Tendulkar played a courageous knock of 141 (135) in this ground.
Return of international cricket
In April 2018, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the venue, along with several others in the country, would get a makeover to get them ready for future international matches and fixtures in the Pakistan Super League.[7]
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test match
In October 2019, the PCB proposed hosting the two Test matches in Pakistan, instead of the UAE, at venues in Rawalpindi and Karachi.[8] Sri Lanka Cricket said that they were "very positive" with regards to the progress of playing Test cricket in Pakistan.[9] In November 2019, the PCB confirmed the dates and venues for the Test series, with the first test match taking place in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 11 to 15 December.[10] It was the first test match played at this venue after 15 years and first International match after 13 years.[11]