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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
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

Stadium hosted its first International Tournament from 12 to 21 August 2002. Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka competed in a 50-overs one day triangular series.[1]

The ICC has granted international status to the Tangier Cricket Stadium in Morocco official approval that will allow 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 tri-series One Day International 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
• The ground is available for hire upon request
• Fitness Centre
• SPA: massage, Jacuzzi, beauty-saloon, aroma- therapy, reflexology
• Sports Centre with multiple usage
• 72 equipped suites
• 56 bungalows
• Restaurant
• Club House

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]

References

External links

• National Cricket Stadium, Tangier at ESPNcricinfo
• National Cricket Stadium, Tangier at CricketArchive

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