List of the Top 10 Biggest Cricket Stadiums in the World
Two Australian stadiums feature in the list of the top 10 biggest cricket stadiums in the world, with an Indian stadium now topping the list, ahead of the MCG.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Australia, throughout Asia and some parts of Europe and Africa. It has grown over the years to rival other top sports like soccer as a global magnet for TV broadcast, with tournaments taking place in different arenas around the world.
Unknown to many, cricket boasts some of the biggest stadiums in sport. In this article, we take a tour of the 10 biggest cricket stadiums in the world in terms of capacity, among other cricket facts you didn’t know.
#1. Motera Cricket Stadium, Gujarat
The Sardar Patel Stadium (officially renamed Narendra Modi Stadium) opened in February 2020 on the site of the former Motera Stadium. Boasting an unrivalled capacity of 110,000, it is the biggest cricket stadium in the world, and the second-biggest stadium overall. The original stadium opened in 1982, then with a capacity of 49,000 and was renovated in 2006 to hold 54,000, before being demolished in 2015. The new stadium was inaugurated in February 2020 by US President Donald Trump and hosted its first international cricket match on 24th February 2021.
How does Sardar Patel Stadium compare to the MCG?
#2. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
Talking of the legendary cricket arenas, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) tops them all, possibly the most iconic cricket ground in the world. The first test match to took place in March 1877 and it continues to host the annual Boxing Day Test. It has an overall capacity of 100,024, and is also one of the most modern cricket stadiums, with unrivalled corporate facilities, endless food and beverage options for spectators, and first-class player facilities. Its location is also spectacular, being walking distance from Melbourne's CBD.
#3. Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
India’s biggest cricket stadium for many years (until 2020), Eden Gardens can host 66,349 spectators. It was built in 1864, but it hosted its first cricket match pitting hosts India and England in January 1934. Eden Gardens is also fondly referred as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket”.
#4. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Constructed only in 2008 with a capacity of 65,000, the first cricket match was played in 2010, a friendly tie between Canada and Chhattisgarh Ranji team. No international match has been played here yet.
#5. Optus Stadium, Perth, Australia
The 60,000-seat Optus Stadium is Australia's newest Test Cricket venue, and the second-largest in the country for the sport. It also hosts BBL games and is the new home of AFL in the state since its opening in 2018. It's a big upgrade from the old WACA Ground, with world-class facilities throughout.
#6. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket stadium, Hyderabad, India
This 55,000-seater cricket arena was constructed in 2003 as the home of IPL heavyweights Sunrise Hyderabad. The first international Test match was played here in November 2010, pitting the hosts India and New Zealand.
#7. Greenfield International Stadium, Trivandrum, India
The 55,000-seater Greenfield International Stadium doubles up as a multipurpose stadium where football matches are also played. It was built in 2014, but the first cricket match only took place in November 2017, with India battling New Zealand.
#8. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, India
Besides cricket, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium also hosts football matches. Constructed in 1996, the arena has a spectator capacity of 55,000. It hosted India versus Australia in a ODI match in April 1998.
#9. DY Patil Sports Stadium, Navi Mumbai, India
Indians are crazy about cricket, but they also play football. This 55,000-seater multipurpose stadium was constructed in 2008, but is yet to host any international cricket match. However, the final IPL matches of 2008 and 2010 took place here.
#10. Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia
Another iconic stadium is the Adelaide Oval, built way back in 1871. With a spectator capacity of 53,583, the oval-shaped arena hosted its first international in December 1884, a Test match between Australia and England. It received a major redevelopment in 2014 to become the biggest stadium in South Australia and the new home of Australian football in the state. It now boasts world-class facilities and even its own hotel.