Largest cricket stadiums in the world

Whether on a small cricket ground or a mammoth one, a 22-yard strip, coupled with a vast outfield, is a prerequisite to kick off a cricketing tryst between two sides. An ideal cricket match can't be staged without a buzzing environment though.Also read: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Bangalore: Seating Arrangement, Layout, Parking, Stands, StatsFans are the heart and soul of every sport – especially for a team sport like cricket, wherein the feelings of pride and glory have a huge role to play. Hence, stadiums with huge capacities have a certain aura about them that is difficult to replicate in the smaller ones.So which are the largest cricket stadiums in the world? Let’s go through the list, which has been compiled based on seating capacity.

#10 VCA Stadium, Nagpur

The VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur, is one of the newest and finest cricket stadiums in India. This elegant venue sports state-of-the-art training and practice facilities, floodlights, gymnasium, medical room, and much more. The Press Box, too, is equipped with world-class facilities. Likewise, ample recreation amenities are available for 45000 spectators.

In an age where bowlers are hampered by smallish boundaries, the VCA Stadium stands as an exception. Shane Warne, the then Rajasthan Royals skipper was extremely delighted with the vastness of the ground.

#9 Eden Park, Auckland

Resembling a baseball diamond, the Eden Park is a skipper’s nightmare as far as setting the field is concerned. Established in 1900, this is the largest stadium in New Zealand, all sports considered. The stadium is also utilized for major Rugby events.

The stadium was renovated in 2010 at a cost of $256 million, with the stadium’s seating capacity increased to 50000, backed up by temporary seating of another 10,000.

The hosts don’t have pleasant memories, though, the most haunting being their lowest innings total in a Test match: 26/10 against England in 1955.

#8 Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Thanks to its striking backdrop and wondrous stands, one easily falls for the scenic Adelaide Oval. With a capacity of 53,583, it is the 8th largest stadium in the world. It isn’t called 'Oval' for any random reasons but because of its genuine oval structure.

The Adelaide Oval saw some of the most brutal scenes in the history of the game during the 1932-33 Ashes, better known as the Bodyline Series, when Bill Woodfull and Bert Oldfield were terribly hurt. As a result, police had to be called up to keep the 50000+ spectators under control.

#7 Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad

The Gujarat Cricket Association’s Sardar Patel Stadium (also called the Motera) was established in 1982 on 50 acres of land. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati river, the stadium vaunts a seating capacity of 54000. The stadium hosted the iconic quarter-final match of the World Cup 2011 between India and Australia.

The two little masters’ of Indian cricket have indelible memories associated with this stadium. While Sunil Gavaskar reached the 10000-run mark in Test cricket here, Sachin Tendulkar compiled his first Test double-hundred at the Motera.

#6 Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Named after the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, this was the first stadium in Pakistan to be furnished with modern facilities, ahead of the 1996 World Cup. The refurbishment was architected by the well-known Nayyar Ali Dada. The stadium hosted the final of the 1996 WC, which was attended by a capacity crowd of 60000.

On the third day of second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2009, the Sri Lankan cricketers were sniped at by militants. It hasn’t hosted a single international match since, due to security reasons.

#5 Raipur International Stadium, Raipur

One of the newer cricket venues in India, the Raipur International Cricket Stadium was built in 2008. With a seating capacity of 65000, it is the 5th largest cricket stadium in the world. The first unofficial one-day match here was played between Canada and the Chattisgarh Ranji side.

The stadium boasts of ultra-modern facilities for players and spectators alike. Serving as one of the home grounds for Delhi Daredevils, the stadium hosted two IPL matches in the 2013 season.

#4 Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Popularly known as the Indian ‘Mecca of Cricket', Eden Gardens is the most iconic cricket stadium in India. Set up in 1864, the Eden Gardens has witnessed some of the most remarkable happenings in the game, both good and bad.

The atmosphere can never look deadened when the passionate Bengali fans take the center stage. The matches held here haven’t been short on drama, either. The disgraceful expression of frustration during the 1996 World Cup’s semi-final is one such example of what it could be at the Edens when the fans don't like what they see.

The crowds have been much more composed since the dawn of the 21st century, though. A few stunning turn of events have only helped the cause – the most notable being India’s sensational Test victory over Australia in 2001, when, coming from behind, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman stitched together an incredible 376-run partnership to make it arguably the greatest Test match ever.

#3 Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi

Owned and operated by the greater Cochin Development Authority, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is the largest cricketing arena in India with a capacity of 67,000 people.

The atmosphere is thunderous when the stadium is at capacity, as witnessed during the ODI match between India and England in early 2012. Its powerful arch-like flood lights can provide high-definition level telecast.

With two fifers in ODIs, Sachin Tendulkar developed a taste for the slow pitches here. Team India shares a bittersweet relationship with this stadium: the wins have been dominating while losses have been humiliating!

#2 ANZ Stadium, Sydney

With a capacity of 78,000 people, ANZ Stadium is the 2nd largest cricket stadium in the world. Also known as Stadium Australia, this arena was set up in 1993 to host the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Over the years, it has served as a multipurpose stadium to organize international Rugby and Soccer matches, too.

It has scarcely been used for international cricket, or rather cricket in general. It served as the NSW Blues’ home ground for the BBL until 2011. After which, it has been serving as the home ground for revamped Sydney Thunder. The stadium has hosted two T20Is till date.

#1 Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

27-12-2013. Day 2, Boxing Day Test.

A fiery Mitchell Johnson runs in hard and pitches a full delivery at 150-kmph. Kevin Pietersen swings at it only to be castled. The capacity crowd at MCG erupts. The atmosphere is deafening.

That’s what MCG is all about!

There can’t be a dull, irksome moment at the 100,000-strong MCG. For there’s a reason the Aussies refer to it as their greatest sporting asset. The architecture of the stadium is extremely impressive, with the 3-tiered Great Southern Stand, in particular, catching the attention of one and all.

The track is supportive to genuine pace bowling: providing spongy, tennis ball bounce. Moreover, the big straight boundaries ensure that the batsmen don’t get away with mistimed shots.