Abbottabad stadium: low on the radar, high in potential

ACS is yet to get basic facilities, unlike the Dharamsala stadium that was raised to international standard years ago.

For a tourist to be in Islamabad and not travel further north is almost sinful.

Away from the hustle and bustle of a city, a sense of calmness and tranquillity takes over as one reaches the side of Pakistan that is in stark contrast to the rest of the country marred by pollution — of many varieties.

Here, in Abbottabad, located at an altitude of over 4,000 feet and surrounded by picturesque mountains, the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium is a player and spectator’s delight.

The weather adds to the picturesque ground that is similar to that of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, India — dubbed the most beautiful venue in the world.

But the ACS does not lag too far behind in terms of potential and surroundings already in place.

The ACS is a wonder but an investment needs to be made to utilise its potential. PHOTO: FAWAD HUSSAIN/EXPRESS

A training camp was organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board at the ACS recently, part of preparations for the upcoming UK tour that will feature the ICC Champions Trophy.

With former legends and current players taking part in the camp that was meant to replicate conditions in the UK, locals were able to see their heroes in action, while out-of-towners were able to catch a glimpse of the beauty that blankets Pakistan.

“It’s probably the most beautiful stadium in the world,” said Wasim Akram who was stunned on his maiden visit to the venue. “I really feel proud that we have such stadiums in Pakistan. I have travelled all around the world and I’m pleased to see such a venue in our country.”

Lacks basic facilities 

However, Pakistan has this uncanny ability to under-utilise its potential. The ACS case is no different. Sadly, the venue is yet to get basic facilities, unlike the Dharamsala stadium that was raised to international standard years ago.

The ACS is a wonder but an investment needs to be made to utilise its potential. PHOTO: FAWAD HUSSAIN/EXPRESS

Despite having the potential to become a popular venue and capture a larger viewership on television, the ACS is yet become PCB’s priority even though the potential financial gain would be huge.

While the Zaka Ashraf-led board spent hundreds of millions to make the Benazir Bhutto International Cricket Stadium in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh a reality, the Abbottabad stadium is yet to get sprinklers to water the outfield.

“The PCB should invest here,” said Abbottabad Cricket Association President Amir Nawab as he rued PCB’s lack of interest. “The board’s taking an interest but not like the Garhi Khuda Bakhsh ground.

“This region has produced some quality players including fast-bowlers Junaid Khan and Ahmed Jamal. And we don’t have sprinklers, indoor nets or a hostel. Floodlights remain a far cry.

“This ground can catch the eye of the outside world but investment is needed.”

The official added that plans had been made to build a five-star hotel in the region, which bore no fruit, while concerns regarding security have been tackled.

The ACS hosted its maiden first-class match in 2004 and staged a total of just 26 matches to date, as per the PCB website.



‘ACS to meet international standards’

Meanwhile, Zaka said plans were intact to make ACS and the Mirpur Stadium, Azad Kashmir ‘world class venues’.

“It was decided in our board meeting to upgrade these venues to match ICC standards. We are keen and hopefully we’ll meet this target till 2013.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 11^th, 2013.