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
Coordinates
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

Stadium hosted its first International Tournament from 12 to 21 August 2002. Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka competed in a 50-overs one day triangular series.[1]

The ICC has granted international status to the Tangier Cricket Stadium in Morocco official approval that will allow it to become North Africa's first international cricket venue.

History

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 tri-series One Day International 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
  • Practice area: 6 turf wickets and 2 concrete wickets
  • Stadium capacity: 5000
  • Bowling machines
  • Large changing rooms for players
  • The ground is available for hire upon request
  • Fitness Centre
  • SPA: massage, Jacuzzi, beauty-saloon, aroma- therapy, reflexology
  • Sports Centre with multiple usage
  • 72 equipped suites
  • 56 bungalows
  • Restaurant
  • Club House

Decline

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

One Day Internationals
No.ScorePlayerTeamBallsInns.Opposing teamDateResult
1114Herschelle Gibbs South Africa1301 Pakistan12 August 2002Won[7]

List of Five Wicket Hauls

One Day Internationals
No. Bowler Date Team Opposing team Inn Overs Runs Wkts Econ Batsmen Result
1Waqar Younis12 August 2002 Pakistan South Africa1103853.80 Lost[7]

References
  1. "New ground: Five unusual cricket venues". Cricket Australia. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  2. 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. "1st Match, Morocco Cup at Tangier, Aug 12 2002". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
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