Top 5 scenic cricket grounds in the world

Performing in a stadium having a capacity of 70,000 plus and a jam packed crowd is always special for the players involved. Every batsman dreams of scoring a hundred in front of a capacity crowd at the Eden Gardens or the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A capacity crowd is always good for the game, the cricket boards, and the sponsors.

There are few stadiums in world cricket which don't have the best of stands, but it's a treat to watch a cricket match there. The scenic beauty of these stadiums is such that it's worth watching a game of cricket in a relaxed mood.

#5. Boland Park, Paarl (South Africa)

The Boland Park in Paarl is a not a very popular venue in South Africa, hosting just a hand full of games. India, under the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly, began their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in this very ground back in 2003.

The ground has not got the best of stands, but it's a treat to watch a cricket match over there. The ground is encircled with trees and grass banks like most other grounds in South Africa. Cliffs on one side of the ground adds to the beauty.

The capacity of the ground is just 10,000, but a full house is a rare sight in this venue. The ambience is pretty relaxed in the stands and it's worth spending a day, watching a game of cricket.

#4. Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet (St Lucia)

The Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium is named after Darren Sammy, the all-rounder who won the T20 world cup twice for the West Indies. The stadium was previously known as Beausejour Oval.

It is the first venue in the Caribbean to host a international cricket match under flood lights. It's a major international venue in the Caribbean, hosting a test match almost every year. The venue hosted a few games during the 2007 World Cup as well. The background of the stadium is occupied with lots of greenery and the stadium was previously named after Beausejour Hills which surround the stadium.

The stadium has got a capacity of around 15,000. If the sun is out, it won't be a bad idea to spend a day at this venue.

#3. Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown (New Zealand)

Queenstown Events Centre in Queenstown was a venue for the U-19 World Cup, 2018. The quarter-final between India and Bangladesh took place in this very ground. The ground has hosted only a handful of ODIs and is yet to host a test match.

Queenstown is a tourist spot and is famous for skiing during winters. The ground has hardly got any stands and is surrounded by grass banks on the hill slopes. The ground is in the lap of the mountains with Coronet Peak at one end and a beautiful water body at the other end. thus making the ground picturesque.

The airport is just beside the ground, and the flights taking off in front of the hills is something worth capturing.

#2. Newlands, Cape Town (South Africa)

Newlands, Cape Town

The Newlands in Cape Town is a marquee venue in South Africa, hosting the New Year Test. It is the home ground of the franchise Cape Cobras, and gets to hold international matches very frequently.

Some parts of the stadium are covered with grass banks, and watching some high quality cricket in front of the blue mountains can be a pleasant experience.

#1. H.P.C.A. Stadium, Dharamsala (India)

The H.P.C.A. stadium in Dharamsala will easily top the chart of scenic grounds. It is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. With the snow capped peaks in the background, this ground is extremely picturesque and an absolute paradise to watch cricket in.

It is located at 1317 metres above sea level, which makes it the highest international cricket ground in India. It has also been the home of IPL franchise Kings XIPunjab.

Dharamsala is gaining popularity with time. The venue was once considered only an IPL venue, but now has become an international venue as well.

It hosted it's first and only test in 2017, when India took on Australia. It was also a venue for the 2016 T20 World Cup, which took place in India. The ground becomes prettier during winters, when the playing area and the stands get covered with a thick layer of snow.