🏟️ Shahid Afridi Slams Islamabad’s Diamond Ground: “Embarrassing for Pakistan Cricket”
Former Pakistan captain and iconic all-rounder Shahid Afridi has ignited a storm on social media after exposing the poor condition of Islamabad’s Diamond Ground — one of Pakistan’s key domestic cricket venues.
Afridi, known for speaking his mind, took to platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to highlight broken seating, unhygienic washrooms, and neglected infrastructure, questioning the Pakistan Cricket Board’s commitment to domestic players who form the backbone of national cricket.
“Shocking state of facilities at Diamond Ground, Islamabad. Broken chairs, filthy washrooms — this is how we treat our first-class cricketers who are the backbone of our future cricket? If this is the standard at the top, what message are we sending to the grassroots? Embarrassing to see such neglect at domestic level,” — Shahid Afridi on X.
🧹 The Ground Reality: Broken Chairs, Filthy Washrooms, and Neglect
Afridi’s photos and observations paint a grim picture of Pakistan’s domestic cricket infrastructure. The Diamond Ground — once a regular host of first-class fixtures and Pakistan A matches — now appears run-down.
Spectator stands are cracked, seats are missing, and washrooms reportedly unhygienic.
For a ground hosting the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, the condition has sparked outrage among fans, players, and ex-cricketers alike.
🏆 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26: Pride Undermined by Poor Facilities
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s oldest and most respected domestic competition, kicked off this week with ten regional teams battling for glory.
Yet, instead of excitement, Afridi’s revelations have shifted focus to PCB’s negligence.
The first round (October 6–9) was already marred by heavy rain across Abbottabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Peshawar — with play abandoned on all four days.
Amid the washouts, players at Diamond Ground faced a different storm — infrastructure decay.
💬 Afridi’s Voice Resonates Across the Cricketing Community
Afridi’s post instantly went viral, garnering thousands of reactions within hours. Domestic players, fans, and even retired legends echoed his frustration.
- Many first-class cricketers shared their own photos showing broken benches and leaking dressing rooms.
- Fans demanded PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi take urgent action.
- Cricket journalists called it “a wake-up call for Pakistan’s domestic structure.”
Afridi has long advocated for grassroots reform, emphasizing that Pakistan cannot expect world-class results from players treated with substandard facilities.
💸 Prize Money and Professionalism: A Stark Contrast
Ironically, the PCB has announced a PKR 7.5 million prize for the tournament winners and PKR 4 million for runners-up, along with individual awards for best performers.
Yet, Afridi’s concern highlights the glaring contrast between financial promises and actual infrastructure reality.
You can’t build strong domestic cricket if players are forced to perform in dilapidated conditions.
🎯 Prize Breakdown
| Award | Reward |
|---|---|
| Winner | PKR 7.5 Million |
| Runner-Up | PKR 4 Million |
| Player of the Final | PKR 100,000 |
| Player of the Match | PKR 25,000 |
| Best Batter/Bowler/Wicketkeeper/Player of Tournament | PKR 250,000 each |
These numbers look impressive on paper — but without proper facilities, the tournament’s prestige risks being overshadowed by embarrassment.
📅 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26: Key Fixtures
The ten participating teams include:
FATA, Faisalabad, Karachi Blues, Multan, Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Sialkot, Lahore Whites, and Islamabad.
🔸 Opening Fixtures
- Sialkot vs Peshawar – the much-anticipated rematch of last season’s thrilling final
- FATA vs Multan
- Faisalabad vs Karachi Blues
- Lahore Whites vs Islamabad
- Abbottabad vs Bahawalpur
Unfortunately, heavy rain washed out all opening-day matches — adding weather frustration to facility woes.
⚡ Cricketory Insights & Analysis
🔹 Afridi’s Criticism Is More Than a Rant
Shahid Afridi’s post reflects deep-rooted structural issues in Pakistan cricket. Domestic venues often receive little maintenance once international matches shift to newer stadiums.
The Diamond Ground fiasco highlights how cosmetic upgrades for international events often leave domestic setups behind.
🔹 Impact on Players’ Morale
Domestic cricketers already earn modest match fees compared to international stars. Playing in neglected facilities affects motivation and professionalism, making it harder to maintain global standards.
A senior player told Cricketory privately, “We play for pride, not comfort — but even pride suffers when the ground itself looks abandoned.”
🔹 PCB’s Accountability Question
Afridi tagging PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi directly puts pressure on the board. The PCB has invested heavily in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), but grassroots investment remains inconsistent.
If the board fails to respond, it risks alienating domestic talent that fuels future national squads.
🔹 Symbol of Systemic Neglect
Diamond Ground’s state is not an isolated case — it symbolizes how domestic cricket is treated as an afterthought.
Without crowd-friendly venues and media coverage, domestic cricket continues to struggle for relevance despite producing stars like Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Abdullah Shafique.
🔹 The Afridi Factor: Voice of the People
Afridi’s reputation amplifies his words. When he speaks, both fans and officials listen.
In past years, his activism has spurred reforms — from junior cricket funding to players’ welfare initiatives.
His latest statement could once again push the PCB toward tangible action.
🔹 What PCB Must Do Immediately
- Launch a national ground audit of all Quaid-e-Azam Trophy venues.
- Allocate emergency funds for facility restoration before the next round.
- Introduce independent inspections and publish maintenance reports publicly.
- Empower domestic associations to manage and protect local grounds with accountability.
🔹 Fans’ Reaction: Outrage and Solidarity
Across social media, hashtags like #SaveDomesticCricket, #AfridiSpeaksTruth, and #DiamondGround trended nationwide.
Fans flooded timelines with comparisons between PSL venues and domestic stadiums, asking:
“Why do we polish PSL grounds but ignore the roots of our cricket?”
The sentiment is clear — Pakistan’s cricketing pride must begin at home.
🔹 Historical Irony: A Ground Once Full of Promise
Ironically, Diamond Ground was once among the most vibrant domestic venues in the 1990s and early 2000s. It hosted several Pakistan A fixtures, produced numerous first-class stars, and was a common practice ground for Islamabad Region players.
Today, it stands as a symbol of forgotten glory — until Afridi’s viral post brought it back into national conversation.
🔹 Economic and Social Dimensions
Domestic tournaments inject local economies with energy — vendors, ticket sellers, and ground staff all rely on healthy match attendance.
Neglecting facilities discourages fans from attending, leading to economic loss and reduced visibility for emerging players.
Afridi’s outburst, therefore, is not just emotional — it’s economically and structurally justified.
🔹 Lessons for PCB and Future Roadmap
If PCB acts swiftly:
- It can restore faith among players.
- Attract corporate sponsors for domestic events.
- Improve Pakistan’s cricketing ecosystem from the base up.
Cricketory analysis suggests that investing even 5 % of PSL revenue into ground infrastructure could revolutionize domestic cricket within three years.
🧭 Cricketory Opinion: The Wake-Up Call Pakistan Needed
Shahid Afridi’s voice has yet again echoed what countless players feel but rarely say aloud — respect domestic cricket.
Without well-maintained venues, even the most talented youngsters lose drive before reaching the national stage.
Afridi’s courage has reignited debate at the perfect time — just as Pakistan prepares for a new cricketing cycle with fresh domestic champions emerging.
📊 Key Takeaways
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🏏 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ 1. Why did Shahid Afridi criticize Islamabad’s Diamond Ground?
A: Shahid Afridi slammed the poor conditions at Diamond Ground, Islamabad — highlighting broken seating, unhygienic washrooms, and general neglect. He called it “embarrassing” for Pakistan cricket and questioned the PCB’s commitment to domestic players.
❓ 2. What is the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, and why is it important?
A: The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is Pakistan’s premier first-class domestic cricket competition. It serves as the breeding ground for national team talent, making it vital for Pakistan’s long-term cricket development.
❓ 3. What action has the PCB taken after Afridi’s criticism?
A: As of now, the PCB has not announced any immediate action. However, Afridi’s statement has triggered widespread debate and public pressure, urging the PCB to inspect and renovate domestic venues like Diamond Ground.
❓ 4. Why are domestic cricket facilities in Pakistan often neglected?
A: Most PCB funding and attention go toward international matches and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), leaving domestic grounds underfunded. Poor maintenance, limited oversight, and lack of accountability contribute to decaying facilities.
❓ 5. Which teams are playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26?
A: Ten regional teams are participating:
FATA, Faisalabad, Karachi Blues, Multan, Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Sialkot, Lahore Whites, and Islamabad.
❓ 6. What is the prize money for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26?
A: The PCB has announced:
- 🥇 Winner: PKR 7.5 Million
- 🥈 Runner-Up: PKR 4 Million
- 🏆 Player of the Final: PKR 100,000
- ⭐ Best Batter/Bowler/Wicketkeeper/Player of Tournament: PKR 250,000 each
❓ 7. How did fans react to Afridi’s statement?
A: Fans widely supported Afridi, making hashtags like #SaveDomesticCricket and #DiamondGround trend nationwide. Many demanded PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to personally inspect the ground and take corrective measures.
❓ 8. Has Afridi criticized the PCB before?
A: Yes. Shahid Afridi has often spoken out about domestic cricket reform, player welfare, and grassroots investment. His influence has historically led to policy changes within Pakistan cricket.
❓ 9. What improvements are being suggested for Pakistan’s domestic cricket?
A: Experts and fans suggest:
- Regular ground audits
- Transparent maintenance budgets
- Better player facilities and accommodation
- Equal attention to PSL and domestic infrastructure
❓ 10. Why is domestic cricket crucial for Pakistan’s future?
A: Domestic cricket develops the next generation of national players. Without strong domestic systems, Pakistan risks declining talent depth and performance at the international level.
🔥 Conclusion: Afridi’s Outburst Could Spark Real Change
The message is loud and clear — Pakistan’s cricket roots need care, not neglect.
If Shahid Afridi’s public criticism pushes PCB to act, this controversy could become the turning point for Pakistan’s domestic revival.
Because in the end, world-class cricket doesn’t start in PSL stadiums — it starts on local grounds like Diamond Ground, Islamabad.
And when legends like Afridi raise their voice, the entire cricketing system has no choice but to listen.