Ayub National Stadium, formerly known as the Baluchistan Cricket Association Ground, is a multi-purpose stadium in Quetta, Pakistan. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The ground is part of the Ayub Sports Complex, which contains the football pitch, tartan track, two halls for indoor games, handball court and two hockey turfs.[2][3] It is located next to the Bugti Stadium used for cricket.
History
The stadium has hosted two ODI cricket matches, one in 1978, and the other in 1984. In both of these matches, Pakistan faced India.[4] The first One Day International (ODI) cricket match between Pakistan and India was held at this ground in 1978.[5]
On 12 June 2005, it hosted the first of three-match football friendly series between Pakistan and India, which ended in a 1–1 draw, scored by Sunil Chhetri and Muhammad Essa.[6][7]
The stadium subsequently hosted the 2016,[8][9][10] and 2017 Balochistan Football Cup.[11][12]
Over time, neglect and mismanagement led to the stadium falling into disrepair, mainly being used for political gatherings.[13] The football ground lacked basic facilities, including pavilion, and it was denuded of grass.[13] The stadium started the renovation in March 2018, for the 2019 National Games of Pakistan and revive sports activities at the stadium.[13][14]
On November 2021, the stadium hosted the Ufone 4G Balochistan Football Cup 2021 organised by Ufone,[15][16] including the final between Muslim FC and Baloch Quetta.[17][18][19]
It again started renovation between 2021 and 2023, for the 2023 National Games of Pakistan.[20][2][3][21] It was the main venue in the event, the Sports Complex was used for Badminton, Basketball, Martial Arts, Handball, Squash, Tennis, Volleyball, and other indoor games,[22] and the stadium was for Athletics, Football, and Tug of war.[23][24]
In the end of 2023, political rallies held by JUI-F, Pakistan Peoples Party and PKMAP caused millions of rupees of damage to the running track in the stadium and in urgent need of repairs.[25]
