Cricket: Niaz Stadium marks half-century without applause

PCB chairman vows to upgrade venue with revival of international cricket.

HYDERABAD: Marked by a lack of festivity, the golden jubilee of Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad was celebrated yesterday with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf vowing to upgrade the facilities at the venue amid revival of international cricket in the country.

The venue, which hosted the 1,000th Test match and has seen the host country remain unbeaten in 12 international matches, has witnessed massive degradation but Ashraf promised to develop the stadium to international standards.

“I belong to this city and have witnessed people’s love for the sport,” said Ashraf, assuring that the complaints regarding the stadium’s development and staff’s appointment will be taken up for resolution.

The 50th anniversary of the stadium was also marred by thin attendance. The ground where former fast-bowler Jalaluddin recorded the first hat-trick in One-Day Internationals and legendary batsman Javed Miandad spread delight with a superb knock of 280 presented a deserted look as none of the Pakistan players were invited.

Ashraf, however, announced holding a belated golden jubilee celebration, acknowledging the event’s austerity. “We were hoping to see the people of Hyderabad, students and youth turn up for the celebrations but it didn’t happen which is disappointing.

“We will celebrate the golden jubilee soon after floodlights are installed at the stadium,” he said.

Meanwhile, a memorandum of understanding envisaging the stadium’s development according to international standard has also not been fully implemented. PCB’s Regional Cricket Association Hyderabad Region Chairman Mir Hyder Talpur said so far over Rs15 million have been spent on its upgradation but the venue needed more work.

“The upgradation of the structures of all the stadiums will follow a revival of international cricket in Pakistan,” said Ashraf. “Hopefully, Bangladesh will bring that and the deserted cricket stadiums will be full again. “

The PCB chairman justified the construction of new grounds in Larkana, Sanghar, Sukkur and other districts of Sindh, saying they will help produce players through domestic cricket. He said former players like Intikhab Alam were given the responsibility to develop domestic cricket through training local coaches and selecting bright players.

A T20 between Patron’s XI and Chairman’s XI was also played in connection with the ceremony. Chairman’s XI won the exhibition match by 49 runs, amassing a total of 161 before restricting the opposition to 112.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2012.