National Cricket Stadium, Tangier

The National Cricket Stadium was a cricket ground located in Tangiers, Morocco. It was the only stadium in Morocco that had been used for senior cricket.

National Cricket Stadium

Ground information
Location	Tangier, Morocco
Coordinates	35°46′18″N 5°51′21″W
Capacity	5,000
Owner	Government of Morocco
Operator	Moroccan Cricket Association
End names
Pavilion End Cape Spartel End
International information
First ODI	12 August 2002:  Pakistan v  South Africa
Last ODI	21 August 2002:  South Africa v  Sri Lanka
Team information
Morocco (2004)
As of 20 July 2009 Source: Ground profile

The stadium hosted its first international tournament from 12 to 21 August 2002. Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka competed in a 50-over one day triangular series.^[1]

The ICC granted international status to the stadium, providing official approval that allowed it to become North Africa's first international cricket venue.

History

The stadium was constructed by Dubai-based construction tycoon Abdul Rahman Bukhatir as part of his plan to globalise cricket and spread it throughout the Arab world.^[2]

The ground was selected to hold the 2002 Morocco Cup, which was a One Day International tri-series competition involving Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.^[2] Seven One Day Internationals were played during the competition, with Sri Lanka eventually winning it.^[3][4]

This was the first time One Day Internationals had been held by an affiliate member nation of the International Cricket Council, though top-class cricket hasn't returned to the ground since.

In 2004, Morocco played two matches there against the touring Marylebone Cricket Club.^[5]

Facilities

• Practice area: 6 turf wickets and 2 concrete wickets
• Stadium capacity: 5000
• Bowling machines
• Large changing rooms for players
• Availability for hire upon request
• Fitness Centre
• SPA: massage, jacuzzi, beauty salon, aromatherapy, reflexology
• Sports centre with multiple usage
• 72 equipped suites
• 56 bungalows
• Restaurant
• Clubhouse

Decline

The stadium has gradually fallen into decline, in doing so casting a shadow over the future of Moroccan Cricket.

Due to mismanagement and a lack of funds, the stadium has not been maintained. The wicket that once existed is now a feeding ground for sheep, and there is a digger stuck in mud in the outfield. Cricket matches have not been played in the stadium since 2013.^[6]

List of Centuries

One Day Internationals

No.	Score	Player	Team	Balls	Inns.	Opposing team	Date	Result
1	114	Herschelle Gibbs	South Africa	130	1	Pakistan	12 August 2002	Won[7]

List of Five Wicket Hauls

One Day Internationals

No.	Bowler	Date	Team	Opposing team	Inn	Overs	Runs	Wkts	Econ	Batsmen	Result
1	Waqar Younis	12 August 2002	Pakistan	South Africa	1	10	38	5	3.80	Gary Kirsten Jacques Kallis Mark Boucher Shaun Pollock Lance Klusener	Lost[7]