Fans of cricket in India are extremely passionate about the game. When observing from abroad, the sight of immense, crowded arenas is impressive. But, which are India’s largest cricket stadiums?

1. Narendra Modi Stadium (Motera Cricket Stadium)

We know that the largest stadium in India is the Narendra Modi Stadium, located in Ahmedabad. This stadium frequently serves as a venue for test matches, ODIs, and T20Is.

One of the notable events at Motera Stadium was in 2022, when it hosted the IPL Final. The match between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals was significant, requiring the largest of all stadiums.

2. Eden Gardens

Located in Kolkata, international cricket enthusiasts may recognize the Eden Gardens ground. Established in 1864, it stands as the oldest cricket stadium in India.

Before the rise of Motera Stadium, Eden Gardens held the title of the largest cricket ground in the nation. Even today, it’s the third largest globally. As per the records in 2022, it can host up to 68,000 spectators.

3. Arun Jaitley Stadium

The Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, now known as Arun Jaitley Stadium, is located in New Delhi. Founded in 1883, it’s the second oldest cricket venue in India. As per the 2022 records, it can accommodate 41,842 spectators.

Looking ahead, this stadium will host the Indian national cricket team’s matches. IPL enthusiasts will recognize this place as the home turf of the Delhi Capitals.

4. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium

The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is situated in Hyderabad and as per 2022 records, it can hold up to 55,000 spectators. It’s one of the more recent venues on this list, having been inaugurated in 2003.

Its first international match was held in 2005 when India welcomed South Africa for an ODI. The stadium regularly hosts the Indian national team, and it’s also the home ground for the Sunrisers Hyderabad during the IPL season.

5. Greenfield International Stadium

The Greenfield International Stadium, also referred to as the Sports Hub at Trivandrum, first welcomed cricket fans in 2015, after its construction started in 2012. Thus far, it has only hosted limited overs cricket, with India playing a few T20s and one ODI.

The stadium, with a seating capacity of 55,000, can accommodate more matches in the future. It has also served as a venue for the Indian national football team’s games.

6. JSCA International Cricket Stadium

The JSCA International Cricket Stadium in Ranchi sometimes hosts games for the Chennai Super Kings. It also serves as an occasional venue for the national team, having hosted all three formats of the game.

The venue frequently hosts matches for the Indian women’s team, including ODIs and T20s. Opened in 2010 to meet the growing demand for cricket, the JSCA International Cricket Stadium can currently accommodate 50,000 spectators.

7. Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium

You might find it easier to refer to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium by its abbreviation, the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Founded in 2017, this venue is part of the Ekana Sportz City complex located in Lucknow. India has played matches here, as well as the Afghanistan national team.

With its ability to seat 50,000 spectators, there’s ample opportunity for more international cricket matches to take place at this notable stadium.

8. Barabati Stadium

Located in Cuttack, the Barabati Stadium opened its doors in 1958. From 2010 to 2012, it served as the home base for the Deccan Chargers, an IPL team that no longer exists.

Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab have also competed here, but there haven’t been any IPL matches at the Barabati since 2014. Similarly, the Indian national team has not played here since 2019.

With room for 48,000 spectators, the Barabati Stadium has the potential to host more cricketing action.

9. Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium

The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, also referred to as the new VCA Stadium, opened in 2008 and can hold up to 45,000 spectators. The stadium is the home ground for the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic matches.

This venue also welcomes international cricket. The first match held here was a test between India and Australia in 2008, and since then, it has hosted games in all three formats.

10. M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

Those who frequently watch the IPL will recognize the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as the usual home base for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The stadium, inaugurated in 1969, can host up to 45,000 spectators.

The Indian national team frequently plays at this venue as well. The stadium’s inaugural international match was a test game against the West Indies in 1974. It’s also a venue for all formats of the game, including women’s international cricket.

11. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium

The Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, situated in Barsapara, was finished in 2012 and can currently accommodate 45,000 spectators. It serves as the home ground for the Assam cricket team in domestic competitions.

As for international cricket, only limited overs formats have been played here. The inaugural match was a T20 international between India and Australia in 2017.

12. Green Park Stadium

The Green Park Stadium briefly hosted IPL cricket as the home of the Gujarat Lions, a temporary franchise. Now, domestic cricket matches here are primarily played by Uttar Pradesh.

This stadium also hosts international matches, with India having played their first test match here in 1952. Since its opening in the same year, the Green Park Stadium’s seating capacity has grown to 32,000.

13. Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune boasts an official seating capacity of 45,000. Since its inauguration in 2012, it has been the home ground for four different IPL franchises, including the Pune Warriors and Kings XI Punjab.

This venue has also been hosting international matches since its opening year, with India playing in all three formats here.

14. M. A. Chidambaram Stadium

The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, located in Chennai, is among the oldest cricket grounds, having opened in 1916. It serves as the home ground for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

With a seating capacity of 50,000, it’s perfectly suited for international cricket. All types of matches have been hosted here, beginning with India’s test match against England in 1934.

15. Wankhede Stadium

The Wankhede Stadium, one of the more well-known venues in India, is situated in Mumbai and was inaugurated in 1974. Initially, it could hold 55,000 spectators, but after renovations before the 2011 World Cup, its capacity was reduced to 33,108.

This venue serves as the home ground for the Mumbai Indians. The Indian national team has a long history with this stadium, dating back to a test match against the West Indies in 1975.

Conclusion

I knew that India was expanding cricket into regions that hadn’t hosted international matches before, but the fact Indian have a total of 52 grounds was unexpected to me. Many of these grounds were where the youngest ever Indian cricketers to play international cricket learnt their trades.

The consistently full stadiums highlight the immense popularity of cricket in India. The beautiful visual appeal of the grounds also enhances the experience, making these stadiums ideal places to watch any type of cricket match.

Now you’ve had the run-down of the largest cricket venues in Indian, why not check out the largest 11 stadiums in the entire world, next?