Cricket, the most loved sport of India. International cricket refers to cricket matches played between national cricket teams, usually involving teams from different countries. It is governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the global governing body for cricket. With most exciting event, ICC Men’s World Cup coming up from 5 October to 19 November 2023, let’s explore few International Cricket grounds. Ten countries team including India, Australia, Afghanistan, England, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will participate in this event. 10 venues across India are selected for World Cup 2023. The opening and closing match will be held in Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
1.) Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad:
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad:
The Narendra Modi Stadium is the world’s largest international cricket stadium with a seating capacity of approximately 134,000 people. This replaced the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground as world’s largest cricket stadium. The stadium is second largest stadium in the world by seating capacity, just behind North Korea’s 150,000 capacity Rungrado 1st of May Stadium. The most awaited India – Pakisthan match will be held here on October 14th. The arena will also host the final of the 2023 ICC World Cup on 19 November.
The other nine venues include :
2.) Eden Gardens, Kolkata :
Eden Gardens, Kolkata :
It is the oldest, second largest cricket stadium of India and third-largest in the world. Eden Gardens has hosted matches in major international competitions including the World Cup, World Twenty20 and Asia Cup. With seating capacity of more than 65,000, this stadium stands number at hosting most number of cricket matches in India. The iconic 2001 Test match between India and Australia was played here. The second semi-final will be played here.
3.) Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai :
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai :
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Wankhede Stadium has a capacity of around 33,000. The stadium has been host to numerous high-profile cricket matches in the past, most notably the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final, in which India defeated Sri Lanka and became the first country to win the Cricket World Cup on home soil. It hosted the last match of Sachin Tendulkar’s international career. The first semi-final of World Cup 2023 will be played here.
4.) M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai :
M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai :
It is the second oldest cricket stadium in the country after Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Popularly know as Chepauk Stadium. It has seating capacity of 50,000 and has hosted 34 test matches and 23 ODI’S. India recorded their first test victory, in their 24th match, against England at Chepauk in 1952.
5.) Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad:
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad:
Located in Hyderabad. This stadium holds the seating capacity of 55,000 and extends across 15 acres of land. It has hosted 5 Test matches, 7 ODI’s and 3 T20ls. This stadium hosted the opening and final match of 2017 Indian Premier League, and also the finals of 2019 Indian Premier League. In 2019, India completed its 500th ODI win at this venue. The wicket here is considered a flat track, with a reputation of being a batsman-friendly and high-scoring pitch.
6.) M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore:
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore:
It situated in Bangalore, Karnataka. Known for its lively atmosphere, it has hosted several high-profile matches, including IPL matches, Test matches, ODI’s also musical events etc. It can accomodate 40,000 spectators. It is the first stadium in world to generate electricity using solar panels. This stadium also served as the venue for the Miss World pageant in 1996.
7.) Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala:
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala:
In hill station of Himachal Pradesh lies this International stadium of cricket. It can accomodate 20,000+ spectators. The stadium is the home ground of Himachal Pradesh women’s cricket team, Himachal Pradesh cricket team, and headquarter of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association. It has hosted many Test matches, ODI’s and T20 matches. 5 matches will be hosted in this stadium during 2023 World Cup.
8.) Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi:
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi:
It is the second oldest functional international cricket stadium in India, after the Eden Gardens of Kolkata. It has hosted 25 ODIs, 34 Tests and 6 T20I. It has the seating capacity of 41,000. As of 2017, the India national cricket team had been undefeated for over 28 years in Test matches and for over 10 years in ODI matches at this ground.
9.) Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow:
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow:
It is the fifth largest International cricket stadium with seating capacity of 50,000. It was renamed to Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in honour of Late Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In comparison to all the stadiums in India, the stadium has the longest straight boundaries.
10.) Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune:
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune:
This stadium is situated in Pune with seating capacity of 35,000 – 40,000. It has hosted 2 Test’s, 7 ODI’s and 4 T20 matches. The arena is set to host 5 games of 2023 ICC World Cup including India – Bangladesh game.
Bibilography:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_international_cricket_grounds_in_India
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Cricket_World_Cup
https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/6732/icc-cricket-world-cup-2023/matches
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