Dring Stadium is a cricket stadium located in Bahawalpur, a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The stadium is one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country and has a rich history.
The stadium was named after Lt Col. H.R. Dring, who was the Deputy Commissioner of Bahawalpur State during the British Raj. The stadium was built in 1933 and was initially used for football matches. It wasn’t until the 1950s that cricket matches began to be played at the stadium.
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The first first-class cricket match was played at Dring Stadium in December 1955 between Bahawalpur and Karachi. The match ended in a draw, with Bahawalpur scoring 264 and 147/5, and Karachi scoring 305/5. The first Test match at the stadium was played in 1978 between Pakistan and England. The match was drawn, with England scoring 427/8 and 92/3, and Pakistan scoring 459.
Over the years, Dring Stadium has hosted several international and domestic cricket matches. The stadium has a capacity of around 15,000 spectators and is known for its picturesque setting, with the Sutlej River flowing nearby.
In 2000, the stadium underwent a major renovation, with the addition of floodlights and other modern facilities. The renovation was aimed at improving the infrastructure of the stadium and making it more suitable for hosting international cricket matches.
Despite the renovation, Dring Stadium has not hosted a Test match since 2003, with the last international match played at the stadium being a One Day International between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in 2008. However, the stadium continues to be a popular venue for domestic cricket matches, and is the home ground of the Bahawalpur cricket team.
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In addition to cricket matches, Dring Stadium has also hosted other sporting events, such as football matches and athletic meets. The stadium has also been used for cultural events and concerts.
Overall, Dring Stadium has played an important role in the history of cricket in Pakistan, and continues to be a popular venue for cricket fans and players alike. Its rich history and picturesque setting make it a unique and special stadium in the country.
