Located in the middle of (what will be) the Dubai Sports City, the stadium that will hold two one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match is quite impressive to say the least. The Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium may only have a capacity of over 25,000, but it is built much like the world’s best football stadiums. On my first visit here, one of the officials at the Sports City told me, ‘the Australian security team loved it and said that they haven’t seen a stadium like this anywhere in the world.’
The renowned Australian curator Tony Hemming has transformed the stadium, creating a lush outfield in the middle of the desert. The innovative style of installing floodlights – which stand at the edges of the roof that goes around the ground – and the high, straight stands are also features that stand out. A sneak peek at the hospitality area reveals a corridor adorned with photographs of current cricket superstars. Best of all, the media box offers a great view of the ground.
The security arrangements for the Pakistan and Australia teams are so tight that it is nearly impossible to interact with the players during their practice sessions. Various levels of local security clearances are required for all media persons, which explains why I have yet to see my media pass. From foreign security guards to Dubai police, the organisers have insured there are no lapses at any level.
The arena is set for a tantalising encounter between a Pakistani team that is still recovering from the hurt of Lahore and the recent ICC decision to leave Pakistan out of hosting the World Cup, and an Australian side that is full of young players looking to make an impression. The organisers are hopeful for a grand showdown, but chats with local Pakistanis indicate flagging interest. One rather pessimistic cab driver grumbled that all 25,400 of the seats may not be occupied and it will take some time for Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium to assume the place of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
