The National Cricket Stadium was a cricket ground located in Tangiers, Morocco. It was the only stadium in Morocco that had been used for senior cricket.
Ground information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Location | Tangier, Morocco | ||
Coordinates | 35°46′18″N 5°51′21″W / 35.77167°N 5.85583°W | ||
Capacity | 5,000 | ||
Owner | Government of Morocco | ||
Operator | Moroccan Cricket Association | ||
End names | |||
Pavilion End Cape Spartel End | |||
International information | |||
First ODI | 12 August 2002:![]() ![]() | ||
Last ODI | 21 August 2002:![]() ![]() | ||
Team information | |||
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As of 20 July 2009 Source: Ground profile |
The stadium hosted its first international tournament from 12 to 21 August 2002. Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka competed in a 50-over one day triangular series.[1]
The ICC granted international status to the stadium, providing official approval that allowed it to become North Africa's first international cricket venue.
History
editThe stadium was constructed by Dubai-based construction tycoon Abdul Rahman Bukhatir as part of his plan to globalise cricket and spread it throughout the Arab world.[2]
The ground was selected to hold the 2002 Morocco Cup, which was a One Day International tri-series competition involving Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.[2] Seven One Day Internationals were played during the competition, with Sri Lanka eventually winning it.[3][4]
This was the first time One Day Internationals had been held by an affiliate member nation of the International Cricket Council, though top-class cricket hasn't returned to the ground since.
In 2004, Morocco played two matches there against the touring Marylebone Cricket Club.[5]
Facilities
edit- Practice area: 6 turf wickets and 2 concrete wickets
- Stadium capacity: 5000
- Bowling machines
- Large changing rooms for players
- Availability for hire upon request
- Fitness Centre
- SPA: massage, jacuzzi, beauty salon, aromatherapy, reflexology
- Sports centre with multiple usage
- 72 equipped suites
- 56 bungalows
- Restaurant
- Clubhouse
Decline
editThe stadium has gradually fallen into decline, in doing so casting a shadow over the future of Moroccan Cricket.
Due to mismanagement and a lack of funds, the stadium has not been maintained. The wicket that once existed is now a feeding ground for sheep, and there is a digger stuck in mud in the outfield. Cricket matches have not been played in the stadium since 2013.[6]
List of Centuries
editOne Day Internationals
editNo. | Score | Player | Team | Balls | Inns. | Opposing team | Date | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 114 | Herschelle Gibbs | South Africa | 130 | 1 | Pakistan | 12 August 2002 | Won[7] |
List of Five Wicket Hauls
editOne Day Internationals
editNo. | Bowler | Date | Team | Opposing team | Inn | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Batsmen | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Waqar Younis | 12 August 2002 | Pakistan | South Africa | 1 | 10 | 38 | 5 | 3.80 | Lost[7] |
References
edit- ^ "New ground: Five unusual cricket venues". Cricket Australia. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ a b Austin, Charlie (11 August 2002). "Tangiers Cricket Stadium: a new chapter in a construction tycoon's dream". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
- ^ "One-Day International Matches played on National Cricket Stadium, Tangier". CricketArchive. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
- ^ "National Cricket Stadium | Morocco | Cricket Grounds | ESPNcricinfo.com". Cricinfo. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
- ^ "Other matches played on National Cricket Stadium, Tangier". CricketArchive. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
- ^ "Can Moroccan cricket ever be revived?, Stumped - BBC World Service". BBC. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ a b "1st Match, Morocco Cup at Tangier, Aug 12 2002". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
External links
edit- National Cricket Stadium, Tangier at ESPNcricinfo
- National Cricket Stadium, Tangier at CricketArchive