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National Cricket Stadium, Tangier

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.

National Cricket Stadium
Ground information
LocationTangier, Morocco
Coordinates35°46′18″N 5°51′21″W / 35.77167°N 5.85583°W / 35.77167; -5.85583
Capacity5,000
OwnerGovernment of Morocco
OperatorMoroccan Cricket Association
End names
Pavilion End
Cape Spartel End
International information
First ODI12 August 2002:
 Pakistan v  South Africa
Last ODI21 August 2002:
 South Africa v  Sri Lanka
Team information
Morocco (2004)
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

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The 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

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  • 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

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The 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

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One Day Internationals

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No. 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

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One Day Internationals

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No. 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

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  1. ^ "New ground: Five unusual cricket venues". Cricket Australia. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b Austin, Charlie (11 August 2002). "Tangiers Cricket Stadium: a new chapter in a construction tycoon's dream". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  3. ^ "One-Day International Matches played on National Cricket Stadium, Tangier". CricketArchive. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  4. ^ "National Cricket Stadium | Morocco | Cricket Grounds | ESPNcricinfo.com". Cricinfo. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  5. ^ "Other matches played on National Cricket Stadium, Tangier". CricketArchive. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  6. ^ "Can Moroccan cricket ever be revived?, Stumped - BBC World Service". BBC. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  7. ^ a b "1st Match, Morocco Cup at Tangier, Aug 12 2002". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
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