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.
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.
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.
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. Seven One Day Internationals were played during the competition, with Sri Lanka eventually winning it.
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.
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.
List of Centuries
One Day Internationals
No. Score Player Team Balls Inns. Opposing team Date Result 1 114 Herschelle Gibbs 130 1 12 August 2002 Won
List of Five Wicket Hauls One Day Internationals
No.BowlerDateTeamOpposing teamInnOversRunsWktsEconBatsmenResult 1 Waqar Younis Gary Kirsten Jacques Kallis Mark Boucher Shaun Pollock Lance Klusener Lost
References
External links National Cricket Stadium, Tangier at ESPNcricinfo National Cricket Stadium, Tangier at CricketArchive