The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is set to be held between October 17 to November 14 of 2021. The four venues that are set to host the mega event are Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1) in Muscat.
The preliminary group stages of the tournament will be held at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Sheikh Zayed Stadium and the Sharjah Cricket Stadium between October 17-22. Two teams from each group will qualify to play in the Super 12 which will commence from October 23 in UAE.
T20 World Cup 2021 venues: Two countries, four stadiums
Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1)
The Al Amerat Cricket Ground is owned by the Oman Cricket Board. Established in 2012, the venue hosted its first T20 international match between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in January 2019. From floodlights to increasing the seating capacity, the ground has undergone substantial upgrades for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. Al Amerat Cricket Ground is set to host six matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, including the opening clash between Oman and Papua New Guinea on October 17.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium was established in 2009. The stadium has a capacity of over 25,000 spectators and is surrounded by 350 floodlights on the circumference of the roof called the ‘Ring of Fire’. The venue is set to stage 13 matches of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, including the final on November 14. Four of India’s five Super 12 matches will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, including the high octane clash between India and Pakistan on October 24.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi was established in 2004. It is one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the UAE with a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators. The venue hosted its first T20 international between Afghanistan and Scotland in 2010. The Sheikh Zayed Stadium is set to host the most number of matches (15) in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, including the first semi-final on November 10.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is one of the oldest stadiums in the UAE with a seating capacity of 16,000. Established in 1982, the venue is set to stage 11 matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, including the preliminary group stage matches and Super 12s. It hosted its first T20I in March 2013 when Afghanistan faced Scotland. Afghanistan’s 215/6 against Zimbabwe in 2016 is the highest-ever total at Sharjah. With 55-60 metre straight boundaries, it is one of the smallest cricket grounds in the UAE.
Featured photo: Abu Dhabi T10 League / Website
