India is set to host the 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, with matches scheduled at 10 renowned venues across the country. Passionate fans are eagerly awaiting to witness the world’s top cricketers in action as they represent their respective nations in this prestigious event. The tournament will kick off with a match between defending champions England and 2019 runners-up New Zealand at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Let’s take a closer look at the venues where the tournament’s excitement will unfold:
1. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Known as the largest cricket stadium globally, the Narendra Modi Stadium will host the World Cup opener match and the final match, along with the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash. Renovated in 2021, the stadium boasts a seating capacity of approximately 132,000. This venue is considered to be historic as this is the same stadium where Sunil Gavaskar achieved the milestone of 10,000 Test runs. It recently hosted the IPL final in May 2023.
2. M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for high-scoring encounters due to its true pitch and small boundary size. It witnessed Kevin O’Brien’s record-breaking century in the 2011 World Cup when Ireland upset England. Fans also look forward to Virat Kohli’s potential record-breaking performances here.
3. M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
This venue offers a unique experience with its humid climate and slow, low pitch. The stadium is notable for iconic moments such as India’s first-ever Test win in 1952 and the first-ever tied Test match in 1986. It is also known as the ‘Anbu Den’ for its passionate Chennai crowd.
4. Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
This is one of India’s most historic stadiums, which was formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. The venue witnessed Sachin Tendulkar’s record-breaking 35th Test century. ItsrRenovated pitch is expected to offer more pace during the World Cup.
5. Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharamsala
Renowned for its picturesque views and small boundary (64 meters), the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association is likely to produce high-scoring thrillers. For those unaware, this stadium has hosted international games since 2013, making it a relatively new venue.
6. Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Garden is one of India’s largest venues and the first to host a World Cup final in 1987. The stadium is known for historic matches, including VVS Laxman’s memorable 281 against Australia in 2001. It also hosted the dramatic T20 World Cup final between West Indies and England in 2016.
7. Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
A new addition to international cricket, the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium will be hosting ODI World Cup matches for the first time. Many might not know this but it is also the home ground for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
8. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
One of the most popular stadiums in India, the Wankhede Stadium is also known as the ‘cricket capital’ of India. This venue witnessed India’s 2011 World Cup win. It has hosted some memorable moments like Sachin Tendulkar’s heroics against Australia in 1996 and Ajaz Patel’s 10-wicket haul against India in 2021.
9. MCA International Stadium, Pune
This stadium is expected to provide exciting contests with a true pitch and small boundaries. It gained Test status in 2016 and will host an India game during the World Cup.
10. Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Home to the Sunrisers Hyderabad, this venue will host three matches during the World Cup 2023. It is expected to draw cricket enthusiasts with its nearly 40,000 seating capacity.
The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, with these iconic venues setting the stage for thrilling cricket action. Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the showdown among the world’s best teams.