Shoaib Akhtar Stadium
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Formerly: KRL Cricket Stadium, Khan Research Laboratories Ground, Dr AQ Khan Ground
The ground on KRL Road is defined by its origins. It was built in 1992 by Khan Research Laboratories, a fact that still sits in its name, though the current owner has gone through a sequence of revisions. It opened as the KRL Cricket Stadium before becoming the Khan Research Laboratories Ground and, finally, the Dr AQ Khan Ground. It was renamed the Shoaib Akhtar Stadium in March 2021, in honour of the Pakistani fast bowler. The capacity is 8,000, a number that has remained consistent since the venue was established. It has hosted international cricket since the 1987–88 season, and matches for the 1996 Cricket World Cup were played here. The surface is natural grass. It is not a landmark of architecture; it is a working facility for domestic cricket, serving the fans in Punjab.
Location: KRL Road, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
The ground is marked by its long history with the national team. It has hosted 1996 World Cup matches, a point that places it within the broader timeline of international cricket in Pakistan. It has also been a regular venue for domestic matches since the late 1980s. The capacity is 8,000, and the surface is natural grass.