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National Cricket Stadium, Tangier

Coordinates: 35°46′18″N 5°51′21″W / 35.77167°N 5.85583°W / 35.77167; -5.85583
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National Cricket Stadium
Ground information
LocationTangier, Morocco
Coordinates35°46′18″N 5°51′21″W / 35.77167°N 5.85583°W / 35.77167; -5.85583
Capacity5,000
OwnerGovernment of Morocco
OperatorMoroccan Cricket Association
End names
Pavilion End
Cape Spartel End
International information
First ODI12 August 2002:
 Pakistan v  South Africa
Last ODI21 August 2002:
 South Africa v  Sri Lanka
Team information
Morocco (2004)
As of 20 July 2009
Source: Ground profile

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.[1]

The ICC granted international status to the stadium, providing official approval that allowed it to become North Africa's first international cricket venue.

History

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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 One Day International tri-series 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

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  • 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

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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

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One Day Internationals

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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

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One Day Internationals

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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 Lost[7]

References

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  1. ^ "New ground: Five unusual cricket venues". Cricket Australia. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b Austin, Charlie (11 August 2002). "Tangiers Cricket Stadium: a new chapter in a construction tycoon's dream". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  3. ^ "One-Day International Matches played on National Cricket Stadium, Tangier". CricketArchive. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  4. ^ "National Cricket Stadium | Morocco | Cricket Grounds | ESPNcricinfo.com". Cricinfo. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  5. ^ "Other matches played on National Cricket Stadium, Tangier". CricketArchive. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  6. ^ "Can Moroccan cricket ever be revived?, Stumped - BBC World Service". BBC. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  7. ^ a b "1st Match, Morocco Cup at Tangier, Aug 12 2002". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
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