Abbottabad Cricket Stadium: A Neglected ground in PCB’s Portfolio

Abbottabad Cricket Stadium: A Neglected ground in PCB’s Portfolio

Musarrat ullah Jan

Nestled in the picturesque city of Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lies the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, a prime asset owned by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Established in 2003,

this venue has hosted numerous first-class matches and served as a training hub for the national team. Despite its potential and the acclaim it has received—such as Wasim Akram’s praise of it as the world’s most beautiful stadium—its upkeep and development have been sorely neglected by the PCB.

In 2001, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government leased the stadium land to the PCB for 45 years at a nominal annual rent of Rs 1500. Since then, the PCB has faltered in its rent payments, having made only one payment of Rs 116,625 in 2016.

The agreement stipulated rent increases every five years, but this has not been enforced. Despite hosting 53 first-class and 14 List A matches, the stadium remains underdeveloped and ignored.

Local cricket authorities are calling for PCB investment to elevate the stadium to international standards. Meanwhile, the provincial government has invested heavily in other projects, such as the Arbab Niaz Stadium and Hayatabad Sports Complex, and is working on new facilities in Kalam.

However, these investments have not translated into tangible benefits for the region or its players, as PCB has not reciprocated with financial or developmental contributions.

The Abbottabad Cricket Stadium is a valuable asset that deserves attention and investment. To realize its full potential and gain the international recognition it deserves, the PCB must take decisive action.