Top 11 Must-Visit Stadiums in India: A Guide for Cricket Fans

A country known for its rich history, culture, religion and good food, India is equally famous for its vibrant cricket culture. Cricket in India is not just a game; Sports holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians. The stadiums where the magic happens are not just places to play but iconic places that embody the spirit and history of Indian cricket. India holds some largest cricket stadium in the world.

Visiting these stadiums gives you a chance to enter the heart of the Indian cricketer and experience first-hand the electric atmosphere that only live games can provide.

Read this blog to find out India’s top 11 must-visit cricket stadiums, each with its own story. Discover how to visit these legendary venues, learn about their historical significance, and appreciate the unique features that make each one a must-see for any cricket fan.

Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

The Narendra Modi Stadium, formerly known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is the largest cricket stadium in the world by seating capacity, which is about 132,000 audiences. It includes a 360-degree podium concourse, LED floodlights, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and four dressing rooms which makes it one of the best venue for international cricket.

Key Facts

·         Narendra Modi Stadium has a massive massive capacity of over 132,000 audiences.

·         Largest cricket stadium in India and world

·         It was the venue for the historic Namaste Trump event during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit in 2020.

·         Maximum final & IPL matches held here.

·         Narendra Modi Stadium formerly known as Motera Stadium, host final world cup match between India and Australia in 2003.

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Eden Gardens is the second largest cricket stadium in India, located in Kolkata with seating capacity of 68,000. Established in 1864, Eden Garden knowns as the oldest stadium of India hosted various iconic matches including World Cup Final and Indian Premier League (IPL).

Key Facts

·         Seating Capacity is 68,000

·         Oldest stadium of India

·         Second largest cricket stadium of India

·         Hosted the historic 1996 World Cup Semi-Final between India and Sri Lanka.

·         The first-ever World Cup final held outside England in 1987, Eden Garden Kolkata India.

·         Beyond cricket, the stadium has hosted football matches, cultural events, and political rallies.

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad

Built in 2004, Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, commonly known as Uppal Stadium, is an international cricket stadium in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is a high-scoring venue with excellent facilities and modern infrastructure. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is a regular venue of International and IPL matches.

Key Facts

·         Seating capacity of 55,000.

·         Home venue for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).

·         Also known as high scoring venue due to batting friendly pitch.

·         The 2019 IPL Final was held here, where Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling match.

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur

Establish in September 2008, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium also known as Nava Raipur International Cricket Stadium situated in Raipur Chhattisgarh. It is the one of the largest cricket stadium in terms of boundary dimensions and modern facilities.

Key Facts

·         Seating Capacity is 65,000.

·         Hosted several international test and ODI cricket as well as IPL.

·         It became 50th international cricket venue in 2023.  

DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

Establishment in 2008, DY Patil Stadium have a seating capacity of 55,000, it has been a good venue for IPL matches and concerts. It is in Navi Mumbai Maharashtra with world class facilities for most of IPL and national matches.

Key Facts

·         It was the venue of 2008 and 2010 IPL Finals.

·         Seating Capacity of 55,000

·         Multi-purpose sports and concerts stadium including various sports, football and cultural events.

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, Maharashtra is the historical and memorable for Indian cricket fans. It has the seating capacity of 33,000 audiences with beautiful infrastructure. This stadium operated by Mumbai Cricket Association and is the home ground of famous IPL team Mumbai Indians.

Key Facts

·         Seating Capacity of 33,000.

·         2011 ODI world cup final venue, where India defeated Sri Lanka by 6 Wickets to lift the trophy after 28 years in captaincy of M. S Dhoni.

·         It also hosted Sachin Tendulkar's farewell match in 2013.

·         It is an emotional and memorable ground for Indian cricket fans.

·         Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar home ground.

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M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Established in 1916, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium also known as the Chepauk Stadium, located in Chennai Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest stadium of India and the home ground of Chennai Super King (CSK). The stadium offers excellent facilities, including newly renovated stands with great sightlines and accessible food stalls.

Key Facts

·         Seating Capacity of 38,000.

·         This stadium is also known as Madras Cricket Club Ground.

·         It is a low scoring venue due to blowing friendly pitch

·         Located in Chepauk near Marina Beach Chennai.

·         One of the Oldest Stadium of India.

·         It hosts many iconic matches and IPL for CSk and Indian team.

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (Dharamshala Cricket Stadium), Dharamshala

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCH Stadium) is also known as Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is an international cricket stadium in Dharamshala hill station of Himachal Pradesh, India. Established in 2003 with seating capacity of 23,000 spectators is one of most beautiful stadium of India and world also.

Key Facts

·         Seating Capacity of 23,000.

·         One of the most beautiful cricket stadium of India.

·         Home ground of Punjab Kings

·         Hosts many National and Internal Matches.

JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi

Established in 2013, JSCA International Stadium Complex is a newly made international cricket ground of India located at the home town of M. S Dhoni, Ranchi Jharkhand. With seating of 50,000 spectators, this cricket stadium is favorable for both batting and bowling.

Key Facts

·         Seating Capacity of 50,000.

·         Also Known as Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium.

·         M.S Dhoni home ground.

·         Hosted first ODI in January 2013, where India taking on England.

Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Established in 1883 and renovated in 2023, Arun Jaitley Stadium named as one of the oldest stadium, located in the capital of India New Delhi. It was formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla ground, the heart of capital city New Delhi host many National and International crickets.

Key Facts

·         Seating Capacity of 41,820.

·         Hosted its first Test in 1948, with India playing against the West Indies.

·         Home ground of IPL team Delhi Capitals.

Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

The Ekana Cricket Stadium, located in capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is a modern cricketing venue with a seating capacity of 50,000. Opened in 2017, it has quickly become a preferred location for international matches and IPL tournaments.

Key Facts

·         Seating Capacity of 50,000.

·         Home ground IPL team Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

FAQs

1. Which is the largest cricket stadium in Asia?

Built in February 2020, The Narendra Modi Stadium, formerly known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is the largest cricket stadium in the world by seating capacity, which is about 132,000 audiences. The stadium has four world class dressing rooms, 11 center pitches.

2. Which is the oldest stadium of India?

Eden Gardens, often referred to as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket,” is the second-largest cricket stadium in India. Established in 1864, Eden Garden owned the title of oldest stadium of India located in Kolkata west Bengal.

3. Which is the beautiful stadium of India?

India has many beautiful stadium including HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala, ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam, Eden Gardens, Kolkata and M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

4. Which stadium was hosted ICC Cricket World Cup 2011?

Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Maharashtra was hosted 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where India defeated Sri Lanka by 6 Wickets to lift the trophy after 28 years in captaincy of M. S Dhoni.

Wrapping it UP

Exploring Indian iconic and memorable cricket stadiums offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich cultural and sporting heritage of this cricket nation. Visit these stadiums to enjoy an unforgettable experience for any cricket fan especially Indian cricket fans who loves cricket. For more such content visit – Weekly Info.