India is a nation full of cricket fanatics. Almost every region in the country is brim with fans who like the game. Cricket stadiums are therefore present across the nation. Here, in this article, we take a look at the list of five of the highest-capacity cricket stadiums in India at the moment.
There are usually two ways in which the capacity of a cricket stadium could be decided. Of course, apart from the cost reasons, the popularity of the game in the region and the suitability of the city to host international games is considered. Since stadiums are one of the main revenue-generating streams, the capacity of a park is very important for the stakeholders.
1) Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad) – 132000
Not just in India, but the Narendra Modi Stadium or the Motera Stadium in Gujarat is the cricket stadium that can host the maximum number of fans at a time on the globe. Demolished in 2015, it is reported that INR 800 crore was put into constructing the massive stadium. In 2021, the stadium hosted a pink-ball Test match between India and England. The stadium was inaugurated recently, and since then, it has been the home to the high-profile games in India. In future, the most important Indian games could take place here. This is also because of the high-class facilities that are available. In COVID times, such stadiums will be useful. This venue is likely to be home to a new IPL team in 2022.
2) Eden Gardens (Kolkata) – 80000
Referred as the Home of Indian cricket, Eden Gardens is the oldest cricket stadium in India. The game has been host to some iconic cricket matches. At the moment, it is the third highest capacity stadium in the world. It also hosted the first pink-ball Test match in India. Located in Kolkata, Eden Gardens has a fast outfield and in recent years, has supported the spinners. In 2016, the final of the T20 World Cup took place here.
3) Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium (Raipur) – 65400
Usually, it is the popular cricketing cities that have big stadiums. However, Raipur is a city that hosts one of the highest-capacity cricket stadiums in India. Named after Veer Narayan Singh Binjhwar, this stadium can have 65000 viewers at a moment. The first game at this venue took place in 2010. It has also been the second home to Delhi Capitals in the past.
4) Greenfield International Stadium (Trivandrum) – 55000
Amongst the states in India, Kerala is one state that has lesser cricket fanatics than the other states in India. Yet, the southern state has one of the highest-capacity cricket stadiums in India. Located in Trivandrum, the Greenfield International Stadium is India’s first DBOT (design, build, operate and transfer) model outdoor stadium. This stadium recently became India’s 50th International cricket venue.
5) Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (Hyderabad) – 55000
The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium or the Uppal Stadium ranks fifth in the list of the highest-capacity stadiums in India. Both the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium and the Greenfield stadium can host 55000 viewers. The Hyderabad stadium has an area of 16 acres. Although it is a fairly old stadium, it has comparatively hosted fewer international games. The stadium is home to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL.
