Cricket is one of the most popular sports in India and has a huge fan following. The sport has been played in India for over a century and has given birth to several iconic players. If you’re passionate about watching cricket and want to experience it from the stadium, here is a introduction of the biggest cricket stadiums in India. This venue can provide an unforgettable experience while watching your favorite match.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, also known as the Motera Stadium, is a cricket stadium located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is the largest cricket stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 132,000. The stadium was inaugurated in February 2021, and it has already hosted several high-profile cricket matches. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and features of this iconic stadium.
- Also Read : Cricket in India: What Fans Should Know About
Table of Contents
History of the Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium in India is a premier cricket stadium with an impressive 132,000 capacity – surpassing Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) of Australia as the largest cricket ground globally.
Originally known as Sardar Patel Stadium, this Stadium was constructed in 1983 and has hosted many notable cricket matches over the years. Recently renamed Narendra Modi Stadium, it is situated within Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave of Ahmedabad.
The old stadium was demolished in 2015, and the construction of the new stadium began in 2016. The stadium was built at a cost of INR 8 billion (approximately $110 million) and was completed in 2020. The stadium was officially inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24, 2021.
Features of the Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium is the biggest cricket stadium in India. This 63-acre ground boasts three entry points, one of which is connected to the metro line. Its parking lot can accommodate 3,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers.
The stadium also has a state-of-the-art drainage system that allows for quick drainage of rainwater, ensuring that matches are not disrupted due to rain. The stadium also boasts of a LED floodlight system that provides excellent visibility for both players and spectators. The stadium was designed by architecture firm M/s HOK and features a ring-shaped roof that spans the entire venue, providing shade to spectators on hot summer days and creating a more comfortable atmosphere.
At its centre are 11 clay pitches, six of which are constructed using local black soil and five from red silt soil from Mumbai. The red soil pitches are ideal for longer matches while the black soil ones cater to shorter matches and dry faster.
The stadium has several other features that make it one of the best cricket stadiums in the world. The stadium has a total of 76 corporate boxes and four dressing rooms, each with its own gym, warm-up area, and physiotherapy room. The stadium also has a separate practice area that can accommodate up to three teams at a time. The stadium has a media center that can accommodate up to 200 journalists and has several conference rooms and workstations.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 132,000 |
| Corporate boxes | 76 |
| Total area | 63 acres |
| Dressing rooms | 4, each with its own gym, warm-up area, and physiotherapy room |
| Practice area | Can accommodate up to three teams at a time |
| Media center | Can accommodate up to 200 journalists and has several conference rooms and workstations |
| Floodlight | State-of-the-art LED floodlight system that provides excellent visibility for both players and spectators |
Notable Matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium has hosted several notable cricket matches over the years, earning it the title of one of the world’s biggest cricket stadiums. This facility is a major landmark in cricket history and it has hosted some significant matches, including the 1987, 1996, 2011 Cricket World Cup matches and the IPL and Test matches between Australia and India.
As of 2022, the stadium has hosted 14 Tests, 27 ODIs, 6 T20Is and 2 IPL matches, including the 2022 final, for which it earned the Guinness World Record for the highest number of spectators, 101,566.
| Year | Match | Teams | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Cricket World Cup | India vs Zimbabwe | India won by 7 wickets |
| 1996 | Cricket World Cup | New Zealand vs England | New Zealand won by 11 runs |
| 2011 | Cricket World Cup | Australia vs Zimbabwe | Australia won by 91 runs |
| 2011 | Cricket World Cup | Zimbabwe vs New Zealand | New Zealand won by 10 wickets |
| 2011 | Cricket World Cup | Australia vs India | India on by 5 wickets |
| 2017 | Indian Premier League | Mumbai Indians vs KKR | Mumbai Indians won by 5 wickets |
| 2019 | Indian Premier League | Mumbai Indians vs CSK | Mumbai Indians won by 1 run |
| 2021 | Indian Premier League | DC vs SRH | DC won by 17 runs |
| 2021 | Indian Premier League | DC vs CSK | DC won by 18 runs |
It is a multipurpose stadium
India boasts an array of sports, from guli danda to hockey and international cricket. There is no shortage of world-class stadiums in the country that host both national and international matches regularly.
Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India is the largest cricket stadium in the world and a multipurpose facility owned by government. Gujarat cricket team plays its home matches at this stadium. It has hosted various events over the years. Primarily used for cricket matches, it also hosts other sporting activities like soccer and football matches.
In India, the Narendra Modi Stadium is owned by the Gujarat Cricket Association and not government-owned. As such, management can name the venue after anyone they wish as long as it remains within legal bounds.
FAQs
Q: How many cricket stadiums are there in India?
A: India has several cricket stadiums across the country. Some of the popular ones include the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, and the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi.
Q: Which is the biggest cricket stadium in India?
A: The biggest cricket stadium in India is the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It has a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators, making it the largest cricket stadium in the world.
Q: Which is the oldest cricket stadium in India?
A: The Eden Gardens in Kolkata is the oldest cricket stadium in India, having hosted its first cricket match in 1864.
Q: What are some of the unique features of cricket stadiums in India?
A: Cricket stadiums in India are known for their unique features such as the lively atmosphere, passionate fans, and the presence of dedicated fan zones. They are also known for their state-of-the-art facilities, world-class infrastructure, and excellent playing conditions.
Q: How important is cricket in India?
A: Cricket is a hugely popular sport in India, and it holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people across the country. It is not just a sport but a way of life for many Indians, and the success of the Indian cricket team is celebrated like a national event.
Conclusion
The Narendra Modi Stadium, also known as the Motera Stadium, is the largest cricket stadium in the world and one of the best in the world. The stadium has a rich history and has hosted several iconic cricket matches over the years. The stadium’s state-of-the-art features and facilities make it a favorite among players and spectators alike. With its huge seating capacity and world-class amenities, the Narendra Modi Stadium is a true gem of Indian cricket.