Cricket is undoubtedly treated like a religion in India. Fans from all around the country flock to the stadiums to see their heroes battle it out against the opposition. Not just in India, but around the world, in countries like England, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, etc. cricket is a very popular sport with a huge fan following.
Sometimes, there is a crucial match in a particular stadium and the seats get sold out due to its lack of capacity. Therefore, generally, all-important matches are played inside big stadiums. The more people come, the higher is the revenue generated by the stadium and the more the game gets promoted.
Having big stadiums always help because they attract a large number of crowds which in turn creates an even better atmosphere and the game becomes a great spectacle. Let’s have a look at the five biggest stadiums in the world.
5. Optus Stadium, Perth
The Optus Stadium in Perth is one of the newest stadiums of the world. Perth was usually associated with the WACA, a ground which was known to have the fastest and bounciest pitch in the world. Many great players have found it difficult to bat on this wicket.
However, since 2018, the WACA has been replaced by the Optus Stadium in Perth. The capacity of this stadium is 60,000 making it the second biggest stadium in Australia.
International games began here since it’s opening in January 2018, with the first-ever Test here being between India and Australia. Indian skipper Virat Kohli is the first Test centurion on this ground, yet Australia had ended up winning that game. This ground is also home to the Perth Scorchers, who are a part of the Big Bash League in Australia.
4. Shahid Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
Shahid Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium has a capacity of 65,000. Yet it is astonishing to know that this stadium has not been host to any international matches.
Although, it has been a part of IPL games where teams like Delhi Daredevils have used this stadium as their home ground. With the talk of two new teams coming up in the 2022 IPL edition, there is a high chance of Raipur getting one of its franchises. The Chhattisgarh domestic team uses this stadium for their home games. This stadium has garnered praise by many for its excellent facility. Thus, it is not far away from hosting its first international game.
3. Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The Eden Gardens in Kolkata is one of the oldest and most famous stadiums in India. It has hosted many historical cricket matches over the years, none better than Team India’s emphatic win over Australia in 2001 in the second Test, this win turned the tides in the opposition and gave them the confidence that that can beat anyone in the world, no matter how tough the situation is. The capacity of this stadium is 80000 and is the home of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
Eden Gardens has a bell just like that at Lords’ that is used to begin play. Rohit Sharma just loves playing at this ground and this stadium has witnessed the highest ever ODI score by an individual when Rohit hit 264 against Sri Lanka. It also made history by being the venue for Team India’s first-ever pink ball day-night Test.
2. Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, also known as the MCG or The G, is the biggest stadium in Australia. This has witnessed many showpiece events in Australian sporting history but is primarily used as a cricket stadium.
Team India have a very good record at Melbourne, having won four Tests while touring. MCG is also the home to the Melbourne Stars of the Big Bash League. This was the venue where Australia won the 2015 World Cup. This stadium has a capacity of 1,00,02024.
1 Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad
Last but not the least, the Motera Stadium, also known as the Sardar Patel Stadium, is the biggest in the world with a capacity of 1,10,000. The Motera Stadium has witnessed many historic encounters like India vs Australia which was the quarter-final of the 2011 World Cup, a game that India famously won.
The stadium was under renovation from 2015 to 2020 but now is all set to host its first international game post-renovation as England will be touring India. Motera Stadium will host two Tests and all five T20Is
