Top 10 Cricket Stadiums: A Journey Through Iconic Venues
Number 10: JSCA International Stadium Complex
Kicking off our list at number 10, we have the JSCA International Stadium Complex. Nestled in the heart of Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, India, this stadium boasts a seating capacity of approximately 50,000 spectators. Since its grand opening in 2013, it has hosted numerous memorable matches, including international fixtures that have seen the stadium packed to the rafters. The stadium is the proud home of the Jharkhand cricket team and has also been a venue for Indian Premier League matches. The stadium has been constructed in such a way that no shadow falls on any of the nine pitches before 4.45 pm, even on the shortest day of the year.
Number 9: BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium
Located in the vibrant city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, the Ekana Cricket Stadium is a modern ground with a seating capacity of 50,000 spectators. Opened in 2017, it has quickly become a cornerstone for cricket in Northern India. The Ekana Stadium, serving as the home ground of the Uttar Pradesh cricket team, UP women's cricket team, and IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants, stands out for its cutting-edge architecture and facilities. It has the longest straight boundaries in comparison to all the stadiums in India.
Number 8: MA Chidambaram Stadium
The MA Chidambaram Stadium, with a capacity of 50,000, is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and has been a bastion of cricket since it opened its gates in 1916. It is the second oldest cricket stadium in India. The stadium is the home of the Tamil Nadu cricket team and the Chennai Super Kings, an IPL franchise. Named after M. A. Chidambaram, the former president of BCCI and Head of TNCA, this venue holds a special place in Indian cricket history.
Number 7: Adelaide Oval
Located in Adelaide, Australia, the Adelaide Oval seamlessly blends historic charm with modern facilities. With a seating capacity of over 53,000, the Adelaide Oval has been an integral part of Australia's cricketing landscape since its inception in 1871. It serves as the home ground for the South Australian cricket team and the Adelaide Strikers. Additionally, it hosts Australian Rules football matches, being the home of the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Football Club. The historic scoreboard, which has been in operation since 1911, still shows its original Edwardian architecture. The scoreboard is listed on the City of Adelaide Heritage Register and protected by legislation, helping to maintain the charm of the ground.
Number 6: Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium
The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It was inaugurated in 2003 and has a seating capacity of 55,000. It serves as the home ground for the Hyderabad Cricket Association and is the primary venue for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The stadium is named after the former prime minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi.
Number 5: Perth Stadium
Currently known as Optus Stadium, located in Perth, Australia, it opened in December 2017 and is a multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 61,266. The primary tenant of Perth Stadium is cricket, serving as the home for Perth Scorchers and the Western Australia cricket team and a key venue for international cricket matches. It also hosts Australian Rules Football. The stadium's roof, known as the 'Falcon's Nest,' features kinetic architecture with eight massive sliding panels that can be adjusted for weather control.
Number 4: Raipur International Cricket Stadium
The Nava Raipur International Cricket Stadium is a 65,000-seater venue in the city of Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. Opened in 2008, the stadium is the home of the Chhattisgarh cricket team. The stadium has also served as a secondary home venue for the IPL team Delhi Capitals, showcasing its capability to host high-profile cricket matches. The stadium is named after Veer Narayan Singh Binjhwar, a landlord from Sonakhan who spearheaded the 1857 war of Indian independence in Chhattisgarh, and in 2023 it became the country's 50th international cricket venue.
Number 3: Eden Gardens
In third place is Eden Gardens in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Eden Gardens is one of the most historic and revered cricket stadiums globally. It is often referred to as the "home of Indian cricket" and called the "Mecca of Indian cricket". With a seating capacity of 66,000, it has been the cornerstone of Indian cricket since its establishment in 1864, making it the oldest cricket stadium in India. Eden Gardens is the home of the Kolkata Knight Riders of the IPL and the Bengal cricket team. It has been a regular venue for international matches, including Test, ODI, T20, and World Cup games. The name "Eden Gardens" is believed to have been derived from the name of an old park in Kolkata, which itself was named after the Eden sisters of Lord Auckland, the then Governor-General of India.
Number 2: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is an iconic sports venue that holds a special place in the hearts of sports fans worldwide. With a staggering capacity of 100,024, it's the largest stadium in Australia. Opened in 1853, the MCG is the home of the Melbourne Cricket Club, the Victorian cricket team, and the Melbourne Stars. It has hosted numerous historic cricket matches, including the first-ever Test match in 1877 between Australia and England and the first One Day International in 1971. In addition to cricket, the MCG is a central venue for Australian Rules Football, hosting the home games of several AFL teams. The stadium features the famous Great Southern Stand.
Number 1: Narendra Modi Stadium
And the number one spot goes to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India. It was inaugurated on 24 February 2021. The stadium is named after the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in recognition of his contributions to the state of Gujarat and the country. It has an impressive capacity of 132,000. It is home to the Gujarat Cricket Association, Gujarat Titans, and the Indian national cricket team. The Narendra Modi Stadium stands on the same plot where the Sardar Patel Stadium was present from 1982 to 2015 until its demolition. The stadium has 4 dressing rooms, 11 center pitches, and 2 practice grounds. It is one of the world's premier cricket stadiums.
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