Cricket is a sport played globally with millions of supporters and participants. The sport has a long history and has been responsible for producing some of the most memorable and significant events in the annals of sporting history. New stadiums have been built during the sport's history to accommodate the ever-increasing number of cricket spectators. Several of these stadiums now rank among the biggest in the world.
World Biggest Cricket Stadium
The Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, is often referred to as the Motera Stadium, and it holds the record for being one of the world largest cricket stadiums. It is the biggest cricket stadium in the world because of its capacity of 110,000 seats, which can be found within the stadium. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, which had previously held the distinction of the biggest cricket stadium in the world until its refurbishment in 2018, when its seating capacity was reduced to 100,024, has now been surpassed by this venue.
The Sardar Patel Stadium was first built in 1982, and it had a capacity of 49,000 seats when it was opened. Nevertheless, in 2015 the stadium went through an extensive restoration that resulted in an increase in its capacity to 110,000. This made it the biggest cricket stadium in the world. The stadium has played home to several international cricket matches, three of which were part of the World Cup: in 1987, 1996, and 2011.
Repairing the Sardar Patel Stadium was a large endeavour that required destroying the old stadium and building a new one. This new stadium was built in place of the previous stadium. The new stadium was built to conform to the specifications of other stadiums worldwide and has cutting-edge amenities for fans, players, and the media.
The seating configuration of Sardar Patel Stadium is perhaps one of the most eye-catching aspects of the venue. Lower, middle, higher, and VIP seats are available for event attendees. The capacity of the lower level is 60,000, while the capacity of the intermediate level is 25,000. There is space for up to 10,000 spectators on the top level, while the VIP area may seat up to 15,000 guests. The spectators will have a pleasant and pleasurable experience thanks to the stadium's design, which provides many amenities and facilities.
The Sardar Patel Stadium is not only the most technologically advanced in the world, but it is also the largest cricket arena in the world. The stadium is illuminated by a one-of-a-kind LED lighting system, which offers the players and spectators very high-calibre illumination. Also, the lighting system is energy-efficient, which helps reduce the stadium's carbon footprint and makes it more ecologically friendly overall.
The cutting-edge drainage system of the Sardar Patel Stadium is another aspect that stands out about this venue. The stadium has a system of subterranean pipes and channels that can drain up to 60,000 litres of water per minute. This ensures that the playing field will stay dry even during intense precipitation. This is of utmost significance in a nation like India, where the unpredictable weather may throw a wrench into cricket matches.
In addition, contemporary amenities such as a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a sauna are provided for the players at the Sardar Patel Stadium. In addition to its outdoor practice facilities, the stadium has six indoor practice fields for players to use. The locker facilities for the players are roomy and come complete with all of the essential conveniences, such as private shower stalls, toilets, and lockers for their belongings.
In addition to having excellent athletic facilities, the Sardar Patel Stadium also has first-rate media facilities. The stadium has a media centre that offers seating for as many as 250 journalists and amenities for live streaming, commentary, and event broadcasting. The press box has comfortable seats and is outfitted with essential technology, including high-speed internet access and audio-visual equipment.
Some of the most important matches in the history of cricket were played in the Sardar Patel Stadium. The third Test match between India and England, which took place in February 2021, was the first to be played at the stadium after being renovated. Almost one hundred thousand people made the trip to see the match, and they were rewarded with a thrilling game of cricket that finished in a tie.
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Exploring the World's Largest Cricket Grounds
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, often known as the MCG, is widely considered to be one of the most historically significant stadiums. With a total capacity of 100,024, it is the world's second-largest stadium.
The initial Test match was played at this location in March of 1877, and since then, Boxing Day Test matches have been played here annually. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has hosted several events that will live long in the memories of cricket fans, including the only hattrick scored by Shane Warne in the history of international cricket and the epic duel that took place between Virat Kohli and Mitchell Johnson in 2014.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a site that all cricket players want to play at some point in their careers since it is furnished with cutting-edge corporate amenities and infrastructure.
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Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Like the MCG, Eden Gardens is one of the venues that every cricket fan should try to see at least once in their lifetime. When a match is held at the "Mecca of Indian cricket," which has a capacity of 66,349 spectators, the venue produces an atmosphere that cannot be matched by any other.
Eden Gardens, which is the residence of Sourav Ganguly, has many records that are the envy of other places. The one-day international record score of 264, set by Rohit Sharma in 2014, was achieved in Kolkata. Virat Kohli also hammered his first hundred internationally in the same city. It was also at Eden Gardens in 2001 when the historic Test match between Australia and India occurred, in which Harbhajan Singh took a hattrick of wickets. We have seen players like Rohit, Mohammad Azharuddin, and VVS Laxman build a deep attachment with the stadium.
In 1934, a match between India and England was the first ever played on this field. In addition, it was scheduled to host 10 games for the 2021 season of the Indian Premier League until the event was cancelled.
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Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh, which is located in India, only saw the construction of the ground in 2008. The stadium is the third-largest and fourth-largest globally, with a capacity of 65,000 people.
The first match ever played at this venue was an exhibition contest between the Chhatisgarh Ranji Trophy squad and the international cricket side of Canada. Nonetheless, there have been no international competitions held at this location up to this point.
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium is a venue called one of the greatest in the world. It is a stadium built in the 21st century with excellent amenities and training infrastructure.
Located in Perth, Australia's Optus Stadium
The historically significant WACA, which was Perth's first cricket pitch, was widely regarded as having one of the most bouncy grounds anywhere in the world. Nevertheless, Cricket Australia decided to stop using the venue when they opened the new Perth Stadium.
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Optus Stadium in 2018
The new Test cricket ground has a seating capacity of 60,000, and since it opened, it has been used to host games for the Australian Football League (AFL). In addition to playing home to international events, the field often serves as the location for Big Bash League competitions, including both men's and women's contests.
Nevertheless, the stadium does not provide the pacers with the same sting and zip as the WACA, since the Optus Stadium wickets are flatter, resulting in more scoring matches.
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
Another Indian cricket stadium has made it into the list of the biggest stadiums in the world. This one is located in India. In 2003, construction began on the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, now home to the Indian Premier League (Indian T20) side Sunrisers Hyderabad. Nevertheless, the first international match at the stadium didn't occur until seven years later, when India played host to New Zealand.
The location is in the southern metropolis of Hyderabad and has a total area of 16 acres. It has a seating volume of 55,000 people.
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Greenfield International Stadium, Trivandrum
Greenfield Stadium, located in Kerala, India, is a multi-purpose stadium with 55,000 people. In addition to sometimes playing home to international cricket events, Greenfield Stadium is often used to stage football games.
When a Twenty20 International match between India and New Zealand was played there in 2017, the facility, constructed in 2012, became India's 50th international cricket ground. One year later, it staged its very first One Day International event.
The Greenfield Stadium was the nation's first outdoor DBOT stadium (designed, built, operated, and transferred). It was constructed on a plot of 36 acres in size.
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Conclusion
With a capacity of 110,000 spectators, the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, has the title of the world's most extensive cricket venue. The stadium is a technical wonder, featuring state-of-the-art amenities for players, fans, and media throughout the event. It is equipped with a one-of-a-kind LED lighting system and a drainage system that can deal with intense downpours. In addition to playing home to several international cricket matches, the stadium is often used as a venue for various other sports and events. India is dedicated to developing world-class sports and entertainment facilities, and the Sardar Patel Stadium is a tribute to India's love of cricket and its dedication to doing so.
These are the top 6 biggest cricket stadiums. If you are also interested in fantasy cricket, download the First Games app powered by Paytm and start playing.