“I have seen many great players of the world play in this cricket ground and prepared the pitch for them.”
These are the words of Mohammad Riaz who is an eyewitness to the rise and fall of Jinnah Stadium Gujranwala.
Muhammad Riaz has been serving as Head Groundsman at Jinnah Stadium for the past 30 years.
Speaking to Independent Urdu, Muhammad Riaz said that Jinnah Stadium, built in 1983, has hosted many international matches. The World Cup, which is the biggest cricket tournament in the world, has also held many matches here, in which he has fulfilled his responsibility as a curator.
Reminiscing about the past, Mohammad Riaz said that big teams like Australia and New Zealand have come and played here.
“The big names of cricket, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Rana Tunga, Santh Jayasuriya have also played on the pitch made by my hands and Pakistani cricketer Salim Elahi also gave me an award for preparing a green outfield and a good pitch.”
Muhammad Riaz further said that the pitch of Jinnah Stadium is still considered as one of the fastest pitches in the world, but for the last 24 years there are camps of deserters and the pitch has been in the way of international matches.
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According to him, ‘due to such a long wait, instead of matches, political gatherings have started taking place in this ground, which has spoiled the beauty of the ground.’
Refusing to talk more about the political gatherings at the cricket ground, Mohammad Riaz said that the main reason for not having international matches is the absence of a five-star hotel in Gujranwala.
He further said that ‘Pakistan Super League, which has now become a brand of Pakistan, its matches can not only be held here but also should be held because the qualities of Jinnah Stadium such as small boundaries and fast wickets in both batting and bowling fields. I can be helpful, which will make for interesting cricket to watch.’
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2024-04-24 00:47:53
