Ayub Park Cricket Ground Makes History: Set to Host Maiden Women’s Match

In a significant milestone for women’s cricket in Pakistan, Ayub Park Cricket Ground, affectionately known as Ayub Park Cricket Stadium, is poised to witness its inaugural women’s tournament match on Monday, 15 January. This historic event will feature a clash between the Lahore and Multan regions in the National Women’s T20 Tournament, adding a new chapter to the rich legacy of this iconic venue.

A Venue with a Rich Heritage: Established in 2013, Ayub Park Cricket Stadium has long been a bastion of cricketing excellence in Rawalpindi. Over the years, the stadium has played host to a myriad of cricketing events, including PCB’s U16 and U19 matches, as well as district trials. Boasting a 60-meter boundary and three meticulously maintained pitches, Ayub Park Cricket Stadium provides the perfect setting for thrilling cricket encounters.

Beyond the Boundary: Beyond its role as a cricketing arena, Ayub Park Cricket Stadium offers visitors a unique glimpse into the sport’s illustrious history. The stadium is home to an enchanting museum, curated with autographed bats, memorabilia, and cricket magazines dating back decades. Notably, the museum proudly displays bats autographed by the legendary West Indies team of 1959, serving as a testament to the stadium’s deep-rooted connection to cricketing heritage.

A Testament to Commitment: The meticulous maintenance and upkeep of Ayub Park Cricket Stadium are made possible through the unwavering dedication of the Army Heritage Foundation (AHF). Committed to preserving and enhancing sporting facilities, the AHF ensures that the stadium remains in pristine condition for athletes and spectators alike. Moreover, the stadium’s proximity to an adjacent football ground further underscores its status as a hub for sporting excellence.

Looking Ahead: Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Tania Mallick, Head of Women’s Cricket, expressed her delight at the expansion of women’s cricket venues in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. With Ayub Park Stadium now opening its doors to women’s cricket, the PCB women’s wing is poised to organize more matches in the future, fostering the growth and development of the sport across the nation. With the continued support of the Army Heritage Foundation, the future of women’s cricket at Ayub Park Cricket Ground looks brighter than ever.

Conclusion: As the cricketing fraternity eagerly anticipates the historic clash between Lahore and Multan at Ayub Park Cricket Ground, the significance of this moment cannot be overstated. With its rich heritage, state-of-the-art facilities, and unwavering commitment to sporting excellence, Ayub Park Cricket Stadium stands as a shining beacon for women’s cricket in Pakistan. As the match unfolds on Monday, spectators and players alike will bear witness to the dawn of a new era at this storied venue, marking the beginning of a promising journey for women’s cricket in Rawalpindi and beyond.