3 international stadiums in India that have never hosted an IPL game

The 11th edition of the Indian Premier League is less than 2 weeks away. The online ticket sales have started and they have been selling like hot cakes. The stadiums will be packed to the rafters with the fans cheering for their stars. This edition of the IPL will be played across 9 venues with MCA Stadium in Pune to host the Play-offs.

Over the last 10 editions, fans from various cities had the chance to witness games in their respective home stadiums. The organizers even introduced IPL Fan Parks, a great initiative to provide stadium-like experiences to the public. However, there have been a few stadiums that haven't gotten a chance to host an IPL game despite hosting International matches.

Let us look at 3 International stadiums that should have hosted at least 1 IPL game.

#3 Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Civil Lines – Nagpur

Located in the heart of the city, VCA hosted its first International Test match in 1965. The venue has a capacity of 45,000 but does not have floodlights. As of today, the venue has hosted 9 Tests and 14 ODIs. The last International game played at this venue was a One-Day International between India and Australia in 2007, which the visitors won by 18 runs.

Unfortunately, the venue hasn't hosted any IPL game despite having decent facilities. Lack of floodlights is the major drawback in the stadium. However, the old construction was replaced by a new stadium that was built and inaugurated in 2008 at Jamtha. Located on the outskirts of the city, Jamtha has better facilities than the previous stadium and has even received praise from the International Cricket Council.

#2 LB Stadium – Hyderabad

Lal Bahadur Stadium, formerly known as Fateh Maidan, is located in Hyderabad. The stadium holds a capacity of 25,000 and has floodlights as well. The first Test match here was between India and New Zealand in 1955. The last Test match played at the venue was in the year 1988. As of today, the venue has hosted 3 Tests and 14 ODIs.

However, since 2005, the LB Stadium has not been used for International games as a new stadium was built in Uppal, which was larger and had much better facilities. Currently, LB Stadium hosts only local events and football games.

This stadium would be best remembered for Sachin’s 186* vs New Zealand in a One-Dayer played in 1999/00.

#1 The Fatorda officially known as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – Goa

Located in the capital city of Goa, The Fatorda was established in 1989. The venue has hosted 9 ODIs till date. The stadium can house up to 20,000 and has good facilities that include floodlights. The first ODI here was played between Australia and Sri Lanka, which the Australians won by 28 runs.

The last International game at the venue, between India and Australia (2010), was abandoned due to rain without a ball being bowled. Currently, the venue hosts International football games and is home to ISL team FC Goa. With good facilities all around, the IPL Governing Committee should consider hosting a game at this venue.