In pictures: Scenic Gwadar stadium hosts first-ever cricket match

The picturesque Gwadar Cricket Stadium — which attracted global attention soon after its picture was shared by International Cricket Council (ICC) on its official Twitter handle — hosted its first-ever exhibition match played between Showbiz Sharks and Gwadar Dolphins.

The exhibition match — organised by singer, actor and TV presenter Fakhr-e-Alam in the lush green stadium of Gwadar near the coast — was dedicated to the Pakistan's iconic mountaineer Muhammad Ali Sadpara who was declared dead by his family and authorities on Thursday.

On the occasion, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfikar Bukhari said that Pakistan is proliferating with beauty of nature and adventure from K2 to Gwadar. He was excited to play on the most beautiful cricket pitch in the world.

“Such a beautiful ground does not exist in any other part of the world,” Zulfi said, adding that a tournament would be played every year at the stadium. "The government would focus on making Gwadar the most beautiful tourist destination in the world."

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner presided over the coin toss at the stadium. “An honour to preside over coin toss at inaugural #CricketAtGwadar match at beautiful Gwadar stadium,” the British High Commissioner said in his tweet.

Declaring Gwadar the "most beautiful cricket ground in the world", Turner hoped that England cricket team would play in Gwadar stadium someday.

Last month, renowned TV personality Fakhr-e-Alam uploaded a video of the beautiful Gwadar cricket ground, describing it as the “most beautiful cricket ground” he had ever seen. In a short video clip, Alam urged people to come out and play cricket in the Gwadar cricket ground.

The video showcased the large, lush green stadium built between a long road and jagged edges of the mountains.

The ICC shared the photo and challenged others to find a more picturesque stadium.