Chittagong Divisional Stadium

Ground information Location : Chittagong Capacity 25,000 Owner : Chittagong Division Operator : Bangladesh, Chittagong Division

History Chittagong Divisional Stadium, currently known as Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium and previously known as Bir Shrestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, is a sports venue located in the city of Chittagong in south-eastern Bangladesh. It became a Test cricket venue on February 27, 2006 when it hosted a Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Situated about half-an-hour outside the city centre, the Chittagong Divisional Stadium was one of the five purpose-built cricket grounds established in the run-up to the 2004 Under-19 World Cup. It was finally granted full international status in January 2006, ahead of Sri Lanka's visit to the country. The stadium itself is an unremarkable concrete bowl set in acres of prime agricultural land, with a three-tier pavilion providing the focal point. It has a seating capacity of over 20,000. This ground will also host several matches of the 2011 ICC World Cup.

 

Eden Gardens

Ground information     Location Kolkata Establishment : 1865 (90,000 capacity) Owner: Indian Army Operator: Cricket Association of Bengal Tenants : Indian Cricket Team End names: High Court End Pavilion End

History Eden Gardens (Bengali: ইডেন গার্ডেন্স) is a cricket ground in Kolkata (previously called Calcutta), India. It is the home of the Bengal cricket team and the Indian Premier League's Kolkata Knight Riders, as well as being a Test and One Day International ground. It is the largest cricket stadium in India by seating capacity. It is widely acknowledged to be the most iconic cricket stadium in the country. Established in 1864, Eden Gardens is expected to hold 82,000 people following renovations that are expected to be completed before the start of the 2011 World Cup; a capacity down from an estimated 86,961 before the upgrade. Prior to the 1987 World Cup, the capacity was said to be approximately 120,000; however, no official figures have been recorded. Nevertheless, it will remain second biggest cricket stadium in the world, behind the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia and Eden Gardens is also the second largest stadium in India behind the Salt Lake Stadium also situated in Kolkata. The stadium is located in the Binoy Badal Dinesh Bag(BBD Bag) area of the city, near the State Secretariat and the High Court. The first recorded Test at the venue was held in 1934, and its first One Day International in 1987. Sporting floodlights, bowlers deliver from the High Court End or the Pavilion End of a pitch under curator Probir Mukherjee. Eden Gardens is renowned for its large and vociferous crowds. It is said that "a cricketer's cricketing education is not complete till he has played in front of a packed Eden Gardens." The Club House of the stadium has been named as the B.C. Roy Club House, after former Chief Minister of the State of West Bengal Dr. B. C. Roy. The Headquarters of the Cricket Association of Bengal are also there at the Eden Gardens. The stadium also hosts Indian Premier League matches and is the home venue for Kolkata Knight Riders owned by the Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Noted events Rioting has been seen at the ground during the 1966/67 West Indies and 1969/70 Australian tours. Hosted the memorable World Cup final of 1987 which ended with Australia defeating England by 7 runs. The 1996 World Cup semi-final was called off with Sri Lanka on the verge of victory over the home side, after the home crowd set fire to the stands after an Indian collapse. In 1999, leading Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar was run out after colliding with Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar. The crowd thought that Akhtar had impeded Tendulkar and rioted, forcing the police to evict the spectators. The match continued in front of an empty stadium. Kapil Dev took an ODI hat-trick against the Sri Lankans in 1991 at the ground. He became the first Indian to take an ODI hat-trick. Harbhajan Singh took a hat-trick against the Australians in 2000/01 at the ground. He became the second Indian to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. VVS Laxman scored 281 against the Australians in 2000/01. This remains the highest score at the ground. Australia were defeated despite holding the advantage for the majority of the game in "the greatest come-from-behind victory of modern times". It was only the third time in Test history that a team had won after being forced to follow on. Coincidentally, it was Australia which ended on the losing side on the previous two occasions as well.   Renovation Eden Gardens is currently undergoing renovation for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Renovation has been undertaken to meet the standards set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the 2011 World Cup. The Cricket Association of Bengal retained the team of Burt Hill and VMS to renovate the Eden Garden Cricket Stadium. The renovation work includes a new clubhouse and players' facilities, upgrading the exterior wall to give the stadium a new look, cladding the existing roof structure with a new metal skin, new/upgraded patron amenities and signage, and general infrastructure improvements. In addition to being a stadium set to host the Cricket World Cup in 2011, the structure will also meet the programmatic needs of the regular season and special events. Eden Gardens faces a huge setback when ICC declares to withdraw India VS England match from this stadium due to lack of work progress. This match was scheduled for 27th February 2011.Jagmohan Dalmiya, the current head of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has pleaded with the BCCI (Board Of Control for Cricket in India) to request a 10 day extension from the ICC since the India-England fixture was to be the only game where the fans get to see the home team in action during the world cup.

 

Feroz Shah Kotla

Ground information       Location Delhi Establishment : 1883 (48,000 capacity) Owner: Delhi District Cricket Association Operator: Delhi District Cricket Association Tenants : Delhi, Delhi Daredevils End names: Stadium End Pavilion End

History The Feroz Shah Kotla (Hindi: फ़िरोज़ शाह कोटला, Punjabi: ਫ਼ਿਰੋਜ਼ ਸ਼ਾਹ ਕੋਟਲਾ, Urdu: فروز شاہ کوٹلا) or Kotla (Hindi: कोटला, Punjabi: ਕੋਟਲਾ, Urdu: کوٹلا) was originally a fortress built by Sultan Ferozshah Tughlaq to house his version of Delhi city called Ferozabad. A pristine polished sandstone pillar from the 3rd century B.C. rises from the palace's crumbling remains, one of many pillars left by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka; it was moved from Ambala, Punjab and re-erected in its current location in 1356. The Feroz Shah Kotla was established as a cricket ground in 1883. In the 21st century, the Feroz Shah Kotla is famed for its cauldron-like atmosphere, which is supposed to be the best in the country. The vociferous home support has led to a great winning sequence for India in Test Matches, and the National Cricket Team has been undefeated for over 20 years at this ground. Firuz Shah Tughlaq (r. 1351-88), the Sultan of Delhi, established the fortified city of Firozabad in 1354, as the new capital of the Delhi Sultanate on the banks of Yamuna river, the site of the present Feroze Shah Kotla, literally Kotla (fortress or citadel) of Firoz Shah. Here he erected the Lat or Ashoka Column, attributed to Mauryan ruler Ashoka. The 13.1 metres high column, made of polished sandstone and dating from the 3rd Century BC, was brought from Ambala by Firoz Shah. Here it stands on the uppermost section of a three-tiered arcaded palace pavilion located near to the main royal residences and congregational mosque at heart of the fortified area. Most of the city was destroyed as subsequent rulers dismantled its buildings and reused the spolia as building materials Feroz Shah Kotla cricket ground The Feroz Shah Kotla was established as a cricket ground in 1883. The first Test match at this venue was played on November 10, 1948 when India took on the West Indies. Anil Kumble took 10 wickets in an inning on this ground in 1999, only the second time this feat has been achieved in test cricket. It is owned and operated by the DDCA (Delhi District Cricket Association). Since 2008 the stadium has been the home venue of the Delhi DareDevils of the Indian Premier League. The stadium was designed by renowed architect and conservationist Mr Danish Siddiqui & Naval Khanna. On 27 December 2009, an ODI match between India and Sri Lanka was called off because pitch conditions were classed as unfit to host a match. Based on match referee's report of the match, Kotla, which is scheduled to stage four World Cup matches in 2011, faced strict sanction ranging from a fine to a ban of 12 to 24 months. More than 14 months ban would have meant Kotla's exclusion from 2011 Cricket World Cup. But the ICC decided to ban Kotla for only 12 months, and as a result of that Kotla continues to be one of the venues for 2011 Cricket World Cup. Statistics Most Successful Team : India - 10 wins. Highest Innings Score : 644/8 by West Indies on February 6, 1959 - India drew with West Indies. Lowest Innings Score : 75 all out by West Indies on November 25, 1987 - India beat West Indies by 5 wickets. Wins Batting First : 5. Wins Batting Last : 12. Average Innings Score : 288 Most Prolific Batsman : Dilip Vengsarkar (671 runs). Highest Individual Score : 230* by Bert Sutcliffe v India on December 16, 1955 - India drew with New Zealand. Most Successful Bowler : Anil Kumble (58 wickets). Sports history In 1952, playing against Pakistan, Hemu Adhikari and Ghulam Ahmed were involved in a record tenth wicket stand of 109 runs - a record that still stands. In 1965, S Venkataraghavan, in his debut series, demolished the New Zealand line up with figures of 8 for 72 and 4 for 80. In 1969-70, Bishen Singh Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna combined to spin India to a famous seven wicket win over Australia, the duo picking 18 wickets between themselves. England's John Lever had a memorable debut at the Kotla in 1976, when he notched up a half-century and had match figures of 10 for 70. Five years later, Geoff Boycott surpassed Gary Sobers' world record Test aggregate. In 1983-84, Sunil Gavaskar scored his 29th century to equal Don Bradman's long standing record for the highest number of hundreds in Test cricket. In 1999-2000, in a match against Pakistan, Anil Kumble took 10 for 74 in forth inning of a Test Match and became the second person to take 10 wickets in an innings after Jim Laker. In 2005-06, at the same ground, Sachin Tendulkar broke Gavaskar's record of most centuries with his 35th Test century.

 

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium

Ground information       Location Chepauk, Chennai Establishment : 1916 (50,000 capacity) Owner: Government of Tamil Nadu Operator: Tamil Nadu Cricket Association End names: Anna Pavilion End V Pattabhiraman Gate End

History The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is a cricket stadium in Chennai (formerly Madras), India, named after M. A. Chidambaram, the former President of BCCI and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. The stadium was formerly known as Madras Cricket Club Ground or Chepauk Stadium. Commonly known as Chepauk, its first match was played 10 February 1934. Built by the East Coast Constructions and Industries, this stadium is where the Indian cricket team won its first ever Test victory here in 1952 against England. Sunil Gavaskar notched up his record breaking 30th Test hundred on this ground in 1983-84. The India-Australia encounter in 1986-87 ended in a tie - only the second in the game's long history. The next season, leg spinner Narendra Hirwani claimed the best match analysis by a player on Test debut, finishing with 16 for 136. The Chepauk crowd is known to be amongst the most appreciative in the country. This was proved when those present gave a standing ovation to Saeed Anwar after his record breaking 194 against India in the Independence Cup match in 1997 and again when Pakistan won a Test match in 1999. A truly overwhelmed Pakistani team even made a lap of honour in appreciation of the spectators' sporting behaviour. It is the home ground of the Tamil Nadu cricket team and also for IPL's Chennai Super Kings led by current Indian captain MS Dhoni. Hopkins Architects have been asked by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association to find a way to increase capacity, provide additional corporate box and air-conditioned accommodation, maintain roof shading and get the swing back. It is also important that the principles of Vaasthu, an Indian form of feng shui, be adhered to in the design.

 

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

Ground information       Location Bangalore Establishment : 1969 (50,000 capacity) Owner: Karnataka State Cricket Association Operator: Karnataka State Cricket Association Tenants: Karnataka Cricket Team, Royal Challengers Bangalore End names: Pavilion End BEML End

History The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Kannada: ಚಿನ್ನಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣ, Chinnasvāmi Krīḍāngaṇa), located in Bangalore, Karnataka, is one of the premier cricket stadiums of India. Flanked by the picturesque Cubbon Park and uptown MG Road, this four decade old stadium is situated in the heart of the city of Bangalore. Formerly known as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) stadium, the ground was later rechristened in tribute to Mr. M. Chinnaswamy, who had served the KSCA for four decades and was also president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 1977-1980. This stadium with a seating capacity of 50,000 not only regularly hosts Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODI) and other First-class cricket matches, but also other musical and cultural events. The stadium is also the home ground of the Karnataka state cricket team and the Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore. Development With generous patronage from the Government of Karnataka, the foundation stone of this stadium was laid in 1969 and construction work commenced in 1970. The stadium was first used for First-class cricket matches during the 1972-73 season. It earned Test status during the 1974-75 season when the West Indies toured India. The first Test played at this stadium was on 22-29 November 1974. Incidentally, this was the début Test match for the West Indian batting giants Viv Richards and Gordon Greenidge. The West Indians led by Clive Lloyd crushed M. A. K. Pataudi's Indian team by a massive margin of 256 runs. India registered their first Test win on this ground against the touring English team led by Tony Greig in 1976-77. The first ODI match at this venue was played on 6 September 1982. India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in that match. Floodlights were first installed at this stadium for the 1996 Wills World Cup. The first match played here under lights was the quarter-final clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on 9 March 1996 in which India defeated Pakistan by 39 runs in a thrilling encounter. In 2007, Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh lead a 300 run partnership fightback from 61/4 breaking several records. India's 365/5 at stumps was the highest 1st day score in whole of India. The 300 run partnership was the highest partnership at the stadium and the highest left-hander batsmen partnership. Sourav Ganguly's 239 is the highest left-hander score. After the BCCI chose Bangalore as the centre for the National Cricket Academy in 2000, many budding cricketers have passed out of the Academy housed on this ground. This stadium also served as venue for the 1996 Miss World pageant. The KSCA now plans to increase the seating capacity to 70,000. After the launch of the IPL, it has also become the home ground of the Bangalore franchise team, the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The stadium was also given a facelift for the first season of the IPL. It was painted in red and yellow, the team colors of the Royal Challengers and also the colors of the Karnataka flag. Apart from holding all cricket matches it has also been associated with all small and major events held in Bangalore or India. This Stadium also hosted Miss World 1996 in which the winner was Miss Greece.

 

Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium

Ground information Location: Sooriyawewa, Hambantota District, Southern Province Establishment: 2010 Capacity: 35,000 Owner: Sri Lanka Cricket Operator: Sri Lanka Cricket Tenants: 2011 Cricket World Cup

History Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium is a new cricket stadium in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. It was built for the 2011 Cricket World Cup and will host two matches, the first being Sri Lanka against West Indies, on 9 December 2010. The stadium will have a capacity of 35,000 people The following 2011 Cricket World Cup matches will be held in Hambantota International Cricket Stadium in February, 2011. The first official international match would be between Sri Lanka and Canada on 20 February, 2011. A total of two matches will be played at the venue during the World Cup.

 

Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium

Ground information Location: Pallekele, Kandy District, Central Province  / 7.28028; 80.72222 Establishment: November 27, 2009 Capacity 35,000 Owner: Sri Lanka Cricket Operator: Sri Lanka Cricket Tenants: Inter-Provincial Limited Over Tournament Inter-Provincial Twenty20 2011 Cricket World Cup End names: Hunnasgiriya End Rikillagaskada End

History Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium is one of the newest cricket stadiums in Sri Lanka and the newest in the city of Kandy. The stadium has been renamed as the Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium. In July 2010, The Central Provincial Council in Kandy unanimously made the renaming decision to honor the legendary Sri Lankan Cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan. The stadium was declared opened on November 27, 2009 The following 2011 Cricket World Cup matches will be played in Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in the month of February, 2011. The first official international match would be between Pakistan and New Zealand on 8 March 2011. A total of three matches will be played at the venue during the World Cup. Location and background The stadium is located about a half-hour drive from Kandy. The Pallekele stadium is wholly owned by Sri Lanka Cricket and is set to displace the Asgiriya Stadium, which has hosted Tests from 1983 to 2007, as the international venue of choice around Kandy. The stadium was built by the State Engineering Corporation of Sri Lanka and is designed along the lines of SuperSport Park in Centurion, South Africa. It has been built for the 2011 Cricket World Cup along with Hambantota International Cricket Stadium. The first Test Cricket match scheduled be played at the stadium will be between Sri Lanka and the West Indies from December 1 to December 5, 2010. The first One Day International match at the venue will be played between New Zealand and Pakistan on 8 March 2011. Pallekele is also the host for the Kandurata cricket team Trivia Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium became the 104 Test venue in the world in December 2010. The first Test was played between Sri Lanka and the West Indies from 1–5 December. The stadium is Sri Lanka's eighth Test venue. By dismissing Chris Gayle of West Indies, Sri Lanka's Suranga Lakmal became the third bowler to take a wicket with the first ball bowled in a test match at a new venue, joining Kapil Dev of India and Imran Khan of Pakistan.

 

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

Ground information       Location Mohali Establishment : 1993 (30,000 capacity) Owner: Punjab Cricket Association Tenants: Punjab cricket team (1993-present) Kings XI Punjab (2008-present) End names: Pavilion End City End

History The Punjab Cricket Association Stadium is located at Mohali, just outside the city of Chandigarh, Punjab. It is popularly referred to as the Mohali Stadium. The stadium is home to the The Punjab Cricket Association Stadium is located at Mohali, just outside the city of Chandigarh, Punjab. It is popularly referred to as the Mohali Stadium. The stadium is home to the Punjab team. Punjab's second international cricket stadium has been approved by BCCI in Bathinda, Punjab . The construction of the stadium took around 25 crore rupees & 3 years to complete.. The stadium has an official capacity of 30,000 spectators. The lights here are unconventional compared to other cricket stadiums, in that the light pillars are very low in height. This is to avoid aircraft from the nearby airport colliding with the light pillars. The 19th and youngest Test cricket venue in India, this is one of the larger grounds in the country and sports a lush outfield. The pitch has a reputation for being lively and supporting pace bowlers. It was inaugurated with a One Day International match between India and South Africa during the Hero Cup on November 22, 1993. The first Test match here was held the following season, between India and West Indies on December 10, 1994. One of the most famous one-day matches on this ground was a thrilling Cricket World Cup semi-final encounter between Australia and West Indies in 1996. PCA stadium will host 3 matches of 2011 world cup including the Semi-final. PCA stadium is home of Kings 11 Punjab (IPL Mohali franchisee). The current pitch curator for the PCA Stadium is Daljit Singh and the design consultant is Ar. Sufyan Ahmad. Punjab team. Punjab's second international cricket stadium has been approved by BCCI in Bathinda, Punjab . The construction of the stadium took around 25 crore rupees & 3 years to complete. The stadium has an official capacity of 30,000 spectators. The lights here are unconventional compared to other cricket stadiums, in that the light pillars are very low in height. This is to avoid aircraft from the nearby airport colliding with the light pillars. The 19th and youngest Test cricket venue in India, this is one of the larger grounds in the country and sports a lush outfield. The pitch has a reputation for being lively and supporting pace bowlers. It was inaugurated with a One Day International match between India and South Africa during the Hero Cup on November 22, 1993. The first Test match here was held the following season, between India and West Indies on December 10, 1994. One of the most famous one-day matches on this ground was a thrilling Cricket World Cup semi-final encounter between Australia and West Indies in 1996. PCA stadium will host 3 matches of 2011 world cup including the Semi-final. PCA stadium is home of Kings 11 Punjab (IPL Mohali franchisee). The current pitch curator for the PCA Stadium is Daljit Singh and the design consultant is Ar. Sufyan Ahmad.

 

R. Premadasa Stadium

Ground information Location :Maligawatta, Colombo C Establishment: 1986 Capacity 35,000 Owner: Sri Lanka Cricket Tenants Sri Lanka Cricket End names: Khettarama End Scoreboard End

History R. Premadasa Stadium (also known as Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium) is a cricket stadium situated on Khettarama Road, Maligawatta, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The stadium was, prior to June 1994, known as the Khettarama Cricket Stadium and is today one of the main venues in which the Sri Lankan cricket team play. The stadium is the brainchild of the late Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa, who championed the development of this 35,000-seater concrete bowl, the biggest stadium in Sri Lanka. Opened on February 2, 1986 with a match between a Sri Lanka 'B' side and an England 'B' team, the stadium was built on swampland previously used by monks ferrying across to the Khettarama temple adjacent to the stadium. he inaugural One Day International was played on April 5, 1986 between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. On August 28, 1992 it hosted its inaugural Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia. The venue is best remembered for holding the world record for the highest Test total - 952/6 declared by Sri Lanka against India in 1997/1998 in which former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 and Roshan Mahanama 225, the pair sharing the highest partnership for any wicket in Test cricket with 576 for the second wicket. Since that record-breaking match, it has hosted just one Test against New Zealand. Invariably flat, the pitches are slow in pace and low in bounce. A new training center has been developed behind the stadium with 16 practice pitches and dormitories for the Sony Max Cricket Academy which started in 2003. Renovation The Premadasa Stadium is currently undergoing a reconstruction project in preparation for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. In July 2010, a report filed by the ICC pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson raised concerns over the condition of the outfield and the pitch claiming he was worried at the slow pace of progress[Although none of the buildings at the stadium were near completion, the 2nd Test of the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka in 2010, was held at the venue between 23-27 November. Sri Lanka Cricket defended choosing the stadium saying that the decision to stage a game was to allow cricketers to acclimatize themselves to the ground ahead of the World Cup games. The Test match was staged using temporary seating for spectators in a corner of the stadium as only players' pavilions had permanent arrangements. Since the press box was not completed reporters and commentators facing technical difficulties used a makeshift arrangement. Test cricket The highest Test total at the R Premadasa Stadium is 952/6 declared by Sri Lanka against India in 1997. The lowest Test total is 86 by Bangladesh against Sri Lanka in 2005. Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 against India in 1997. This remains the highest score at R Premadasa stadium. The 36 wickets captured by Muttiah Muralitharan remains the most number of wickets at the R Premadasa stadium. The best bowling figures in an innings is 6/18 by Muttiah Muralitharan against Bangladesh in the 2005/06 season. Muttiah Muralitharan's 9/60 remains the best bowling figures in a match. One Day Internationals The highest ODI total is 363/5 by India against Sri Lanka on February 03, 2009. Sanath Jayasuriya has scored 2514 runs and is the highest by a single player at the Premadasa stadium. Marvan Atapattu, Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Sachin Tendulkar has scored more than 1000 runs. Muttiah Muralitharan with 69 scalps has captured the most number of wickets at the Premadasa stadium. The highest individual score at R Premadasa stadium is 150 by Gautam Gambhir against Sri Lanka in the 2008-2009 seasons.

 

Sardar Patel Stadium

Ground information Location : Motera, Ahmadabad, Gujarat Establishment : 1982 Capacity 54,000 Owner: Gujarat Cricket Association Operator: Gujarat Cricket Association Tenants: Indian Cricket Team (1983-present) Rajasthan Royals (2010) End names: Adani Pavilion End GMDC End

History Sardar Patel Stadium (Motera Stadium) is one of the premier Cricket stadiums of India located in the Motera locality of Ahmadabad. Because of its location, the stadium is commonly called Motera Stadium to avoid confusion with another stadium of the same name in Navrangpura locality of Ahmedabad. Sardar Patel stadium is owned by Gujarat Cricket Association and comes under the aegis of the West Zone. It is the largest stadium in the state of Gujarat, and has an official capacity of 54,000 spectators. It is equipped with floodlights for day-and-night games and is a regular venue for Test cricket and One Day Internationals (ODI) matches. Formerly known as the Gujarat Stadium, the ground was later renamed in tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Apart from cricket, the ground has played host to a number of programs arranged by the Government of Gujarat. The pitch once favoured the bowlers, but has lately been host to competitive games. As of May 2010, the Motera stadium has played host to 19 ODI matches. In India, only Eden Gardens (22 ODI Matches) has hosted more ODI matches than Motera Stadium. The stadium is also one of the host venues for 2011 Cricket World Cup to be held in India. It is scheduled to host 3 matches, including a Quarter final match. Development Before Sardar Patel Stadium (Motera Stadium) came into existence, International cricket matches in the city were played at Ahmadabad Municipal Corporation's stadium of the same name (Sardar Patel Stadium) in the Navrangpura locality of the city. In 1982, the Government of Gujarat donated a 50-acre (200,000 m2) stretch of land on the banks of the Sabarmati River for the construction of new stadium. The construction of the Sardar Patel Stadium was carried out in a span of nine months and since then all International cricket fixtures for the city are hosted here. The stadium hosted its first International Test match on November 12, 1983 between India and the West Indies. Later in the 1984-85 Australia-India series, Sardar Patel Stadium went on to host its first ODI, one in which Australia beat the Indians. Sunil Gavaskar became the first-ever cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket on this ground – a feat he achieved against Pakistan. Seven years later Kapil Dev claimed his 432nd Test wicket on this ground to become the highest wicket taker in the world, breaking Sir Richard Hadlee's record for the most number of wickets in Test matches here. Before he became the highest wicket taker, Kapil Dev also made a nine-wicket haul in his career here at the Motera ground. In 1996, the ground hosted a low-scoring Test match against South Africa, where the tourists faltered while chasing a paltry 170 for a win to end up at 105 all out. Javagal Srinath scalped six wickets in the fourth innings of the match. However, South Africa had their sweet revenge when they bowled India out for 76 runs in the first session of the Test match in 2008 and then went on to win it by an innings and 90 runs. The Stadium was also one of the venues for the 2006 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, with five of the 15 games being played here. It has also hosted one game in each of the two Cricket World Cups that were played in the country, including the first match of the 1996 World Cup between England and New Zealand. The Stadium is an adopted home venue for the Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals. The Stadium hosted four of the seven home games of Rajasthan Royals during the 2010 season of the Indian Premier League. Rajasthan Royals won three out of those four games played here. Ground Current stands at Sardar Patel Stadium are as follow (in a clockwise direction from top) GMDC Upper and Lower Stands - Public seating East Upper and Lower Pavilion - Public seating Adani Lower Pavilion - Players dressing room, corporate boxes and public reserved seating Adani Upper Pavilion - Public seating Club Pavilion - Members seating West Pavilion - Public seating All stands are roof covered and have two tiers, barring the Club pavilion and West pavilion. The media is also well taken care of, with an air-conditioned press box. Press box is wi-fi enabled and also has a multi purpose media conference room. The stadium has car-park for 10,000 vehicles. The Adani Pavilion also houses more than 20 air-conditioned corporate boxes. There are 21 entry gates to the stadium making it easier for spectators to enter the stands.

 

Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium

Ground information Location : Mirpur Thana, Dhak Establishment : 2006 Capacity 25,000 Owner : Dhaka Division Operator : Bangladesh, Dhaka Division Tenants : Bangladesh Cricket Team End names : Ispahani End, Aqua Paints End

History Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium or Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNS), is a cricket ground in the Mirpur Thana district of Dhaka, Bangladesh. It holds 25,000 people and was built in 2006.] At first, it was named "Mirpur Stadium", but the Bangladeshi government later renamed it as "Shere-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium." The Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, named after AK Fazlul Haque, one of the country's most renowned leaders and freedom fighters in the 1940s, is situated about 10 kilometres outside the centre of Dhaka. The move from the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka to Mirpur was met with much resistance, but the BCB had decided they needed a stadium dedicated exclusively to cricket, and carried on despite criticism. The most striking feature of the ground is the drainage facility which is probably the best in the subcontinent. The ground was originally built for football and athletics and was hence rectangular in shape. To bring it back to a shape suited for cricket, a lot of demolition had to be done, and also the athletics tracks had to be dug up. About three feet of soil was excavated to remove all the red clay. PVC pipes were fit in before filling it up with rock chips and sand and then grass. The slope is nice and even, a difference of 29 inches from the wicket to the boundary. The ground hosted its first Test when Bangladesh played India in May 2007; a timely start was made possible because of the efficient drainage after heavy overnight showers. The wicket was pretty flat and slow. The stadium is being renovated ahead of the 2011 ICC world cup.

 

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium

Ground information Location: Jamtha, Nagpur Establishment: 2008 Capacity: 45,000 Owner Vidarbha Cricket Association Operator: Vidarbha Cricket Association End names: Secretary End Pavilion End

History The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium (also known as New VCA stadium) is a new Test cricket ground in the city of Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. The stadium in the Jamtha locality, situated about 15 km from the main city, replaced the old Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground. The first international match hosted at this venue was the 4th Test between India and Australia (Nov, 2008), which India won by 172 runs. The Aussie spinner Jason Krejza had finished with 12 wickets and Harbhajan Singh with seven. Spread over 33 acres (130,000 m2), it has all the modern amenities, including wi-fi environment and a capacity of accommodating 45,000 people. The venue also boasts of world class training and practice facilities along with an all seater arrangement. Four matches will be played here during the 2011 Cricket World Cup. For domestic Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy matches, the ground will play host to the Vidharba and Central Zone cricket team respectively.The stadium has four stands. The East and West stands are open to air stands with two tiers. The North stand houses the commercial box and has three tiers. The South stand houses the players pavilion. It also has three tiers. Records Test Highest team total: 566/8d, by India against New Zealand in 2010/11. Lowest team total: 175, by New Zealand against India in 2010/11. Highest individual score: 253*, by Hashim Amla against India in 2010/11. Best bowling in an innings: 8/215, by Jason Krejza against India in 2008/09. ODI Highest team total: 354/7, by India against Australia in 2009/10. Lowest team total: 255, by Australia against India in 2009/10. Highest individual score: 124, by Mahendra Singh Dhoni against Australia in 2009/10. Best bowling in an innings: 3/35, by Ravindra Jadeja against Australia in 2009/10. T20 Highest team total: 215/5, by Sri Lanka against India in 2009/10. Lowest team total: 186/9, by India against Sri Lanka in 2009/10. Highest individual score: 78, by Kumar Sangakkara against India in 2009/10. Best bowling in an innings: 2/19, by Sanath Jayasuriya against India in 2009/10. India at the VCA Stadium Test Matches - India has won 2 of the 3 test matches played at this venue. ODI - India has won 1 of the 2 ODIs played at this venue. T20I - India lost the only T20I played here against Sri Lanka.

 

Wankhede Stadium

Ground information       Location: Mumbai Establishment: 1974 Capacity: 45000 Owner: Mumbai Cricket Association Architect: Shashi Prabhu and Associates Contractor: B.E. Billimoria and Company Operator: Mumbai Cricket Association Tenants: Mumbai cricket team Mumbai Indians End names Garware Pavilion End Tata End1

History The Wankhede Stadium(Marathi:सेशराव कृष्णराव वानखेडे मैदान) is a cricket stadium in the Indian city of Mumbai. This ground was built after disputes between the Cricket Club of India, which owns the Brabourne Stadium, and the Mumbai Cricket Association over the allocation of tickets for cricket matches.] This became severe after the Test between India and England in 1973. At the initiative of S. K. Wankhede, a politician and the secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association, MCA built the new stadium in South Mumbai near the Churchgate station. It was built in six months and opened in time for the final Test between India and the West Indies in 1975. Since then the Wankhade stadium has taken over from Brabourne Stadium as the main cricketing venue in the city. The stadium has a capacity of 45,000 and is always in contention to host an international match in India. The stadium has been witness to great innings like Gavaskar's 205 against the Windies and Kallicharran's 187 in the same game in the 1978-79 series and all round heroics like Ian Botham's century and thirteen wickets in the Jubilee Test in 1980. which England won by ten wickets. The highest score by an Indian at Wankhede remains Vinod Kambli's 224 against England in 1992-93 in only his third Test. Incidentally Ravi Shastri's six sixes in an over off Baroda's Tilak Raj en route to the fastest double-hundred in first-class cricket was on this ground in 1984-85. The cricket pitch is known to offer assistance to bowlers and is largely a spinner and pace friendly track. It offers spin and bounce to spin bowlers and swing to fast bowlers during the early part of each day due to the ground being close to sea.On days four and five of a test the pitch does tend to break up a fair bit which in turn offers great assistance to spinners. In 1995 the stadium was upgraded and lights were added to host day and night games. Later, in 1996 it hosted an India-Australia match in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The main gates to the ground are named after Polly Umrigar and Vinoo Mankad. The stands are named after famous Mumbai cricketers like Vijay Merchant (West stand), Sunil Gavaskar (East stand upper) and Sachin Tendulkar (North stand). It is being renovated to host the 2011 Icc Cricket World Cup Finals and many more matches Ground facts and figures Capacity: 45,000 Floodlights: Yes End names: Garware Pavilion End, Tata End Curator: Sudhir Naik. The highest Test total at the Wankhede Stadium is 604/6 dec by the West Indies against India in the 1974/75 season. The lowest Test total at the Wankhede Stadium Stadium is 93 by Australia against India in the 2004/05 season. The highest partnership at the Wankhede Stadium is 298 by DB Vengsarkar and RJ Shastri for India against Australia in the 1986/87 season. The highest ODI total at the Wankhede Stadium is 299/4 by India against Sri Lanka in the 1986/1987 season. The lowest ODI total at the Wankhede Stadium is 115 all out by Bangladesh against India in the 1998 season. Architect - Shashi Prabhu and Associates Contractor - B.E. Billimoria and Company