The only football stadium that once hosted national and local tournaments in Balochistan is slowly but surely turning into a desolate place. Built in 1961, Ayub Stadium had been nothing less than a paradise for the football fans of Quetta.

Besides being the best venue for local teams, it also had the privilege of hosting an international match between India and Pakistan in 2006. But its present condition leaves much to be desired.

After being made a military site for the Frontier Corps a couple of years ago, it is now a restricted area. It houses tens of heavy trucks and tankers on a sparsely green surface with armed guards standing at each gate.

Also, footballers in Quetta have been deprived of a place they could use to demonstrate their passion for the sport when the World Cup is being played.

Several requests have been made to the Provincial Sports Ministry but it has expressed its helplessness to help on the issue.

NASEER BALOCH
Quetta