In the cricket-loving heart of Pakistan, one name consistently echoes with legacy, passion, and transformation: Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. More than just a sporting venue, it stands as a living monument to Pakistan’s cricketing journey. Indeed, it is the true home of Lahore Qalandars.
Following a major upgradation completed in 2025, Gaddafi Stadium has now been reshaped into a modern-day coliseum. As a result, it successfully hosted both the ICC Champions Trophy and PSL 2025—a tournament in which the Lahore Qalandars lifted their third title, all on their beloved home ground.
Yet before it continues its rise into a bold new era, it’s worth revisiting the stadium’s iconic past. Over the decades, it has witnessed unforgettable moments, electrifying crowds, and the relentless energy of Lahore Qalandars. Together, these elements have given Gaddafi Stadium a powerful and evolving identity—one rooted in tradition, but driven by progress.
From Lahore Stadium to Gaddafi Stadium
Originally named Lahore Stadium, it was inaugurated in 1959 and designed by the renowned architect Nasreddin Murat-Khan. Later in 1974, it was renamed Gaddafi Stadium following Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s memorable address at the Islamic Summit held in Lahore.
Since that pivotal moment, the stadium has steadily evolved into a cornerstone of Pakistan’s cricketing pride. Over the years, it has hosted historic matches, welcomed global legends, and remained central to the nation’s sporting spirit. Today, it stands not only as a stadium but also as a lasting symbol of unity, resilience, and passion for the game.
Host to Historic International Matches
As of mid-2025, Gaddafi Stadium has proudly hosted:
- 41 Test Matches
- 64 One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- 26 T20 Internationals
Over the years, it has been the venue for countless unforgettable moments, including:
- Pakistan’s first home Test match vs Australia in 1959, marking the beginning of a rich cricketing legacy.
- The 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup Final, where Sri Lanka lifted the trophy in a historic win.
- Thrilling victories over top cricketing nations such as India, England, and South Africa, which further cemented Gaddafi’s legendary status.
Moreover, the stadium played a pivotal role in the return of international cricket to Pakistan. Key milestones include:
- Zimbabwe’s tour in 2015
- Sri Lanka’s visit in 2017
- Australia’s return in 2022
In terms of records, Gaddafi Stadium has also witnessed extremes of performance:
- Highest Team Total: 699/5 declared – Pakistan vs India, 1989
- Lowest Team Total: 73 all out – New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2002
Clearly, Gaddafi Stadium is more than just a ground—it’s a living archive of cricket’s most iconic moments.
PSL & Qalandars: Gaddafi’s Glorious Rebirth
While international cricket paused for years after 2009, the emergence of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) brought a fresh wave of energy and hope to the nation. Among all franchises, no team connected more deeply with Gaddafi Stadium The home of Lahore Qalandars than the them. Through dramatic wins and emotional highs, their bond with this iconic venue only grew stronger.
Historic PSL Finals Hosted at Gaddafi Stadium
PSL 2 Final – 2017
The first-ever PSL final held in Pakistan marked a turning point in national cricket. After years of isolation, Peshawar Zalmi defeated Quetta Gladiators, reigniting the country’s passion for hosting global-level matches.
PSL 7 Final – 2022
Years later, Gaddafi Stadium witnessed a dream come true for the home side. Lahore Qalandars triumphed over Multan Sultans to win their maiden PSL title—and they did it on their home ground. Undoubtedly, this victory forever etched their name into the venue’s proud history.
PSL 8 Final – 2023
Building on their momentum, Lahore Qalandars returned to defend their title. In yet another thriller against Multan Sultans, they became the first team to win back-to-back PSL championships. As a result, their legend at Gaddafi only grew.
PSL 10 Final – 2025
Most recently, Gaddafi Stadium witnessed history again as Lahore Qalandars clinched their third PSL title. With this win, they firmly affirmed their dominance and deepened their emotional connection to this iconic stadium.
Total PSL Matches Hosted at Gaddafi Stadium (2016–2025)
- Total PSL Matches: 52
- Finals Hosted: 4 (2017, 2022, 2023, 2025)
- Lahore Qalandars Home Matches: More than 25
Gaddafi remains the soul of PSL cricket, renowned for its electric atmosphere, loyal fans, and the thunder of “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar.”
2009 Tragedy & the Silent Years
After the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team near the stadium, Gaddafi was silenced. For years, international teams stayed away, casting a shadow over Pakistan’s cricketing future. However, the stadium gradually found new life through domestic tournaments, which kept the spirit of the game alive.
Eventually, the launch of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) became a turning point. Not only did it revive fan engagement, but it also played a crucial role in restoring global confidence in Pakistan as a host nation. Step by step, top-level cricket made its way back to Lahore, and Gaddafi Stadium once again echoed with the energy of international matches.
2025 Upgradation: A Stadium Reborn
To prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initiated a full-scale transformation of Gaddafi Stadium.
Key Upgrades Include:
- Seating Capacity: Increased from 27,000 to over 34,000+
- Roofing: Elegant, weather-protective canopies
- LED Lighting: Modern floodlights for top-quality broadcast
- New Screens: New ultra-modern replay screens for enhanced viewing
- Hospitality Boxes: Luxury VIP and corporate seating
- Modern Player Facilities: New dressing rooms, gym, media centre
- Eco-Friendly Design: Solar panels, water recycling, green tech
This isn’t just a facelift. It’s a rebirth—an upgrade that places Gaddafi among Asia’s best.
Champions Trophy 2025: A Global Showcase
In recent months, Lahore has proudly hosted key matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including several high-profile games featuring top cricket playing nations. Additionally, the stadium welcomed the Bangladesh team for a thrilling three-match T20 series, further cementing its role as a hub of international cricket.
As a result, Gaddafi Stadium’s glow continues to shine brightly, capturing the attention of millions around the world. Whether it’s day or night, the roar of the crowd and the spectacle on the field tell a powerful story.
Ultimately, it’s more than just a venue—it’s a statement of Pakistan’s cricketing resurgence, a symbol of national pride, and a beacon of the sport’s vibrant future in the country.
Gaddafi Stadium: The Home of Lahore Qalandars
To Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium isn’t just a place—it’s home. It’s where they struggled, grew, and ultimately triumphed.
- Where their first PSL trophy was lifted in 2022
- Where their title defense happened in 2023
- Where the third crown was earned in 2025
- Where Qalandars defied the odds and earned their international fame.
This is where dreams turned into trophies.
Conclusion: More Than Just Bricks and Grass
In 2025, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore stands tall as a living legend. Restored, upgraded, and reimagined, it is now fully prepared for the world stage. Yet despite all the changes, it continues to hold the same unwavering spirit.
It remains the stage where Lahore’s heart beats strongest, where Lahore Qalandars draw their strength, and where cricket continues to write its most poetic chapters.
Ultimately, Gaddafi Stadium is more than just a ground—it is a fortress of dreams, a beacon of passion, and a symbol of glory. For this reason, it proudly remains The Home of Lahore Qalandars.
Also Read: Lahore Qalandars’ Journey in PSL 2025: A Tale of Resilience, Triumph, and Legacy
