Cricket stadiums in India are majestic arenas where passion, competition, and the thrill of athletic prowess converge. These architectural marvels not only serve as battlegrounds for sporting legends but also as cultural landmarks that unite millions in celebration and camaraderie. Each stadium tells a unique story of sporting heritage and national pride. Let’s discuss some of the biggest cricket stadiums in India based on their seating capacity.
Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat is the biggest cricket stadium in India and the world with a total seating capacity of 1,32,000 spectators. It is owned by the Gujrat Cricket Association. It was designed by Andrew James, on behalf of Populous Holdings Inc. Narendra Modi Stadium took 5 years to build and estimates ₹800 crores ($96 million).
Eden Garden Kolkata
Eden Garden Kolkata is the second biggest cricket stadium in India with a seating capacity of 90,000. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) owns and operates the cricket stadium. Eden Garden Kolkata was established by George Eden, the Governor-General of India (1836 – 1842).
Naya Raipur International Cricket Stadium
The Naya Raipur International Cricket Stadium, also known as the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium is the third biggest stadium in India with a capacity of 65,400. It is located at Nava Raipur and owned by the Government of Chhattisgarh. It is operated by the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh. The Naya Raipur International Cricket Stadium was completed between 2006 – 2008 and cost ₹145 crores.
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium
The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium or Uppal Stadium, Hyderabad is owned and operated by Hyderabad Cricket Association. The stadium was designed by Sashi Prabhu and has a seating capacity of 55,000. The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium opened in 2003.
Greenfield International Stadium
The Greenfield International Stadium also known as the Sports Hub is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and has a seating capacity of 55,000. It is owned by Kerala University and operated by Kariavattom Sports Facilities Limited (KSFL).
Ekana Cricket Stadium
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has a seating capacity of 50,000 spectators. It was designed by Skyline Architectural Consultants. The BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium has a staggering budget of ₹360 crores.
JSCA International Cricket Stadium
The JSCA International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi was designed by Kothari Associates Pvt. Ltd with a seating capacity of 50,000. It is owned and operated by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association. The JSCA International Cricket Stadium was built with an estimated budget of ₹ 1.9 billion.
Barbati Stadium
The Barbati Stadium, Cuttack has a seating capacity of 45,000. It hosts both football and cricket matches. The Barbati Stadium is owned by the Government of Odisha. The construction started in 1950 and was opened in 1958.
Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium
The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur boasts a seating capacity of 45,000 spectators. It was also designed by Shashi Prabhu. The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium was established in 2008 and is owned & operated by the Vidarbha Cricket Association.
Chepauk Stadium
The Chepauk Stadium or MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk has a seating capacity of 40,000 spectators. It was originally designed and built by East Coast Constructions. Construction of the Chepauk Stadium started in 1865 and finished in 1916. It is owned and operated by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.
Holker Stadium
The Holker Stadium, Indore has a seating capacity of 30,000. The construction started in 1924 and finished in 1926 under the supervision of Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar. The Holker Stadium is owned and operated by the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association.
Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium
The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium or Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot has a seating capacity of 28,000. It was designed by the ZEDO Group of Architects & Designers. Established in 2008, the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium is owned and managed by the Saurashtra Cricket Association.
Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy International Cricket Stadium
The Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy International Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam was established in 2003 with a seating capacity of 27,500. It is owned by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh. The Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy International Cricket Stadium is managed by the BCCI.
Image Courtesy – GQ India
