Hyderabad, Niaz Stadium
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Hyderabad, Niaz Stadium
A dream coming true
Niaz Stadium has been used for all kinds of non-cricket activities in the recent past, writes M.H. Khan
It is the beginning of a new era for Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad, the second international cricket ground in Sindh. Finally, it has been handed over to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on a 30-year lease by the district government through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed recently.
Indeed, it is a step in the right direction, rekindling hopes of seeing international cricketers, particularly their own heroes, in action. The decision has been overdue following the International Cricket Council (ICC) conditions, making the availability of the five-star hotel mandatory for the host city to organise international cricket events.
The fact that Pakistan cricket team has an unbeaten record in test and ODIs makes the stadium distinctive among other cricket grounds. Ever since September 28, 1997 when Pakistan outclassed India in a one-day, no match was played in Hyderabad. Another ICC condition that the hotel should be less than 40 minutes from the venue could not be met as Karachi is around two and half hours drive from here.
The ground was named after divisional commissioner, late Niaz Ahmed posthumously. The first class cricket match was played between BCCP and the Commonwealth team in November 1963 at the ground which emerged on the map of the cricketing world as the new test centre on March 16, 1973 when Pakistan played against England.
Playing against India in January 1983, Javed Miandad and Mudasir Nazar equalled the world record of fourth wicket involving Sir Donald Bradman. Miandad scored an unbeaten 280 against India – his highest until he retired.
In all, 110 first class matches, five tests and six ODIs have been played here so far. The first hat trick of international cricket was made by Jalaluddin at this ground as well. Likewise, cricket legend Imran Khan achieved his best bowling figures against India, too. He took six wickets in a one-day match.
Its present conditions such as capacity, dressing rooms, outfield, and enclosures are not up to the mark. In September `97, during the one day international match, the local administration had to cover grass-less patches on Eid Gah End with green coloured sawdust to hide them.
Niaz Stadium has been used for all kinds of non-cricket activities in the recent past. The use of the ground as helipad was, however, banned by the present District Nazim.
Some journalists raised voice for the ground that stood as a monument of the official neglect. They forced successive PCB chiefs and local administration to take some decision so that it could be maintained. For these reporters it is like a dream coming true.
Once PCB will take charge of the ground, its commercial misuse will come to an end. The district government is actively working on the establishment of a five-star hotel for which a place has been identified and the matter will be presented before the cabinet for approval.
People, who oppose the handing over to PCB for political gains, disappeared conveniently when it was destroyed in 1994, due to rainwater which converted it into a lake. The entire stadium had to be dug out. This was the reason that no 1996 World Cup match was held here.
“We are happy. Proprietary rights of Qasimabad TMA have also been accepted by the district government in a MoU signed with the TMA,” said Ghulam Hyder Shahani, Taluka Naib Nazim, Qasimabad. He criticised those people who were opposing its handing over to the PCB.
President Regional Cricket Association (RCA) Mir Haider Talpur gives equal credit to PCB and the district government. “The district government took the issue seriously and PCB got the ground despite the fact that it will be a liability for a couple of years,” says Talpur.
The present district government deserves kudos for taking the issue seriously as the successive administrations paid only lip service to the problems.
