DUBAI // The bosses at Dubai Sports City are in little doubt that their new stadium is ready to welcome the world. The 25,000-seater cricket arena is the first major project to be completed in the US$4billion (Dh14,692bn) development. It will open its doors to the paying public for the first time when Pakistan play Australia on April 22 in a one-day international. The first match, a low-key domestic friendly, was staged there at the weekend and U Balasubramaniam, the chief executive of Sports City, already believes the ground ranks at the very top of the list of the game's best stadia.
"As of now, it is probably the best cricket stadium in the world," said Balasubramaniam ahead of the Chapal Cup later this month. The claim prompted a raised eyebrow from Dilawar Mani, the chief executive of Abu Dhabi Cricket Council, who will co-host the series at their equally plush Zayed Cricket Stadium. "I will let Bala have his 15 minutes of fame," joked Mani. "It is a truly magnificent facility, and I would tend to agree with him. It is probably the best facility in the world.
"That is not to say that ours isn't as good, but this facility has every bit of technology you could possibly think of. "The UAE has something to look forward to. With multiple venues, that opens up multiple opportunities for us." Pakistan have a long-standing affinity with the Emirates. The Pakistan Cricket Board's financial director, Mohammed Naeem, added: "UAE venues are always our first choice, we always love to come here." pradley@thenational.ae
