Five non-2011 World Cup Indian stadiums that can host matches of 2023 World Cup in India

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 came to a nail-biting end as England trumped New Zealand to win their maiden World Cup title. The final was indeed one of the best games in the history of cricket.

The next edition is set to take place in 2023 and the ICC has chosen India as the venue for the mega event. This would be the 13th installment of the World Cup. It is scheduled to take place from 9 February to 26 March 2023.

Akin to the 2019 World Cup, the 2023 competition would also feature ten teams. The top seven teams and the hosts will qualify directly while the identity of the remaining teams would be determined by the 2022 Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

India, along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh hosted the 2011 World Cup and India became the first team ever to win the World Cup on its home turf. India also partially hosted the World Cup in 1987 and 1996. However, 2023 will be the first time India would be hosting a 50-over World Cup on its own.

Thus, a glimpse at the possible new venues is warranted. Here is a look at the five venues, which weren't allotted matches in 2011, but might be in contention to host the global cricketing extravaganza come 2023.

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#5 Jharkhand State Cricket Association International Cricket Stadium (Ranchi)

JSCA International Stadium

Jharkhand State Cricket Association International Stadium is located in Ranchi and has also acted as the home ground of Chennai Super Kings, at times. Inaugurated in 2013, the JSCA Stadium is also the home ground of the former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

This is the only stadium in the country having hills on both sides. Hence, the spectators can enjoy the view from both the East and West Sides. The venue's biggest advantage is that no shadow falls on any of the pitches before 4:45 pm.

This stadium has emerged as one of the better stadiums to host international matches. It is expected to host some important matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 because of its facilities and seating capacity, which is approximately 40,000.

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#4 Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow)

This beautiful stadium is located in Lucknow

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium is an international cricket stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh and is the third-largest stadium in India, in terms of seating capacity. The arena can hold up to 50,000 spectators at a time.

Formerly known as Ekana Stadium, the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh is one of the most beautifully constructed stadiums in the world. Its unique architectural work has kept it free from pillars, allowing the spectators a barrier-free experience.

It recently hosted the second T20I between India and West Indies and in the process, it became the 52nd stadium in India to host an international cricket match. The pitch here guarantees a compelling contest between bat and ball.

This stadium is also serving as the home ground for the Afghanistan Cricket Team. Despite being a fairly new stadium, the stadium is expected to host some exciting encounters in World Cup 2023 because of the enormous support cricket generates in Uttar Pradesh.

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#3 Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

This stadium is located in Cuttack, Odisha and is one of the oldest stadiums of India. It hosted its first international match in January 1982 where India defeated England by five wickets. The seating capacity of 45,000 allows this stadium to host some crucial encounters in big tournaments.

This stadium is also an alternate venue for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. In the 1987 and 1996 editions, the stadium got to host a few important matches of the World Cup. The stadium also hosted some matches of 2013 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup.

This stadium has not hosted any one-day international in the past two years but could be one of the probable venues for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. This ground offers several facilities and has a large seating capacity. Thus, ticking most boxes for being a World Cup venue.

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#2 Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, Dharamshala

HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is arguably the most beautiful stadium in India and is located in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The stadium was established in 2003 and has a seating capacity of around 23,000. This stadium is quite unique as it is situated at an altitude of around 1,450 m above the sea level. To reach the venue, one has to travel eight kilometers from Kangra Airport.

This stadium has also hosted a few home games of Kings XI Punjab. The first one-day international to be played at the HPCA Stadium was between India and England in January 2013. This stadium was also accorded the opportunity to host a few matches during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20.

The HPCA Stadium is expected to host some matches during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. However, the limited seating capacity could be a dampener when venues are being chalked out for crucial matches.

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#1 Motera Cricket Stadium (Ahmedabad)

Motera Stadium's expected three-dimensional view

The Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat is under reconstruction and is in line to become the world's largest cricket stadium. It is expected to have a total seating capacity of 110,000 and will overtake Australia's Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Before its demolition in October 2015, it hosted several matches. The stadium was one of the venues for the 2006 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy. It hosted one-third of the total matches played in the said tournament.

It also hosted three matches during the 2011 World Cup, which included the historic quarter-final clash between the hosts, India and defending champions, Australia. The last one-day international played here was in November 2014 between India and Sri Lanka.

The reconstruction is expected to be completed in one and a half years. Hence. this stadium is expected to host several matches, including the final of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.

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