Biggest Stadium in India: Which One Holds the Largest Crowd?
Quick Summary
- Cricket is not just a game but an emotion for every Indian. Seeing the growing sector, the government has worked hard to develop sports infrastructure in the country.
- The biggest stadium in India is a testament to the emotions attached to the game. The Narendra Modi stadium is now amongst the most sought-after stadiums across all formats of cricket.
- Apart from the Narendra Modi Stadium, India is also home to some of the biggest cricket stadiums in the world setting a high standard while pushing the growth of cricket and other sports in the country.
Table of Contents
To the people of India, cricket is not just a sport; it is a sport that they love and brings people together. Cricket’s popularity is such that it can be seen spreading from fields to sold-out stadiums. An illustration of such endorsement for the sport is the Narendra Modi Stadium, the current biggest stadium in India, with people travelling from all corners to watch the match.
The country has spent a lot of money on its sports infrastructure, which has led to the development of large stadiums that can accommodate and host hundreds of thousands of fans, especially for tennis matches. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through the biggest stadium in India and highlight the top 10 biggest stadium in India, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and spirit of sports culture.
The Biggest Stadium in India: Narendra Modi Stadium
India is a cricket-crazy nation. In 2020, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, became its most significant monument. This stadium has become a crowd puller and a landmark, signifying fans and cricketers as it has hosted numerous international matches, IPL finals, and other important events.
Key Features of Biggest Stadium in India, Narendra Modi Stadium
- Boundary Size: Its diameter is among the biggest worldwide, making it one of the most challenging grounds for cricketers.
- State-of-the-art Infrastructure: Modern equipment, such as practice fields, gyms, and well-designed changing rooms.
- Multi-Sport Arena: It is not restricted to cricket only but also includes cultures of soccer, athletics, and more.
- Spectator Comfort: Having a massive capacity of 132,000 seats, it has enough room for fans, lounge areas, and other star-rated convenience features.
- International Events: It has hosted major international cricket tournaments, IPL finals, and more, contributing to its reputation as one of the top 10 biggest cricket stadium in India.
As the biggest stadium in India, the Narendra Modi Stadium also ranks highly among the top 10 biggest cricket stadium in India by boundary. Its colossal boundary size and facilities make it an ideal venue for cricket and other major sporting events, contributing to India’s growing reputation as a global sports destination.
Top 10 Biggest Cricket Stadium in India
India’s cricketing history is marked by iconic stadiums that have witnessed some of the most thrilling moments in the sport. Here’s a look at the top 10 biggest cricket stadium in India, showcasing their capacity, history, and significance:
| No | Stadium Name | Location | Capacity | Notable Features | Historical Matches/Events |
| 1 | Narendra Modi Stadium | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 132,000 | Design and Facilities | 2023 One Day International World Cup, Final |
| 2 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata, West Bengal | 68,000 | “Mecca of Indian Cricket” | 1987 World Cup, 2016 T20 World Cup Final |
| 3 | Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur | Raipur, Chhatisgarh | 65,000 | Known for modern facilities and rising international recognition | Upcoming international matches |
| 4 | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium | Hyderabad, Telangana | 55,000 | Home to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL | Various IPL matches, international fixtures |
| 5 | DY Patil Sports Stadium | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | 55,000 | Multi-purpose venue, hosts IPL and football matches | Various IPL matches, international events |
| 6 | Ekana Cricket Stadium | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | 50,000 | Modern design hosts IPL and international matches | IPL matches, international fixtures |
| 7 | Greenfield International Stadium | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | 50,000 | Scenic beauty with modern infrastructure | Various international fixtures |
| 8 | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 50,000 | One of India’s oldest Stadiums, home to Chennai Super Kings in IPL | Matches featuring M. S. Dhoni, major internationaltournaments |
| 9 | Barabati Stadium | Cuttack, Odisha | 45,000 | One of India’s oldest grounds regularly hosts ODIs and T20s | Regular ODIs and T20 matches |
| 10 | Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 33,000 | Iconic 2011 ICC World Cup Final venue | 2011 ICC World Cup Final (India’s victory) |
1. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Capacity: 132,000
- The largest cricket stadium in the world, Narendra Modi Stadium, was formerly known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium. Located in Motera, Ahmedabad, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a 360-degree podium concourse, floodlights integrated into the roof, and four dressing rooms to accommodate multiple teams. It regularly hosts major international matches, IPL games, and major events, including political and cultural gatherings.
2. Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Capacity: 68,000
- Established in 1864, Eden Gardens is often referred to as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket.” It is one of the oldest and most prestigious cricket venues in the world. The stadium has hosted several World Cup finals, IPL matches, and historic Test matches, and it is known for its electrifying atmosphere when filled with passionate cricket fans.
3. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur
- Capacity: 65,000
- Located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh’s largest stadium is named after a freedom fighter. It serves as an important venue for domestic tournaments, IPL matches, and practice games for international teams. Known for its modern infrastructure and well-maintained playing conditions, it has quickly gained recognition in Indian cricket.
4. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
- Capacity: 55,000
- This stadium, located in Uppal, Hyderabad, is the home ground of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL. With a lush green outfield, high-quality floodlights, and excellent spectator facilities, it is one of India’s best venues for international matches. It has hosted Test, ODI, and T20I matches and is known for its high-scoring games and enthusiastic crowd.
5. DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Capacity: 55,000
- This multipurpose stadium is known for its innovative cantilever roof design, which provides an unobstructed view for spectators. Apart from cricket, it has hosted Indian Super League (ISL) football matches, concerts, and other sporting events. It is considered one of the best-maintained stadiums in India.
6. Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Capacity: 50,000
- One of India’s newest international stadiums, Ekana Stadium, was inaugurated in 2017. It has quickly become a key venue for domestic and international cricket, hosting T20I, ODI, and Test matches. It is home to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL and boasts world-class player facilities and a well-maintained pitch.
7. Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
- Capacity: 50,000
- This multi-sport stadium is designed to host cricket, football, and athletics. It features an eco-friendly structure and scenic surroundings, making it one of the most beautiful stadiums in India. It has hosted T20I matches, domestic cricket games, and ISL football matches.
8. M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Capacity: 50,000
- Commonly known as Chepauk Stadium, this is one of India’s oldest cricket grounds, dating back to 1916. It has a rich history, having hosted some of the most thrilling Test matches and IPL encounters. It is the home ground of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and is known for its loyal fanbase and spinning-friendly pitches.
9. Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
- Capacity: 45,000
- One of Eastern India’s premier sports venues, Barabati Stadium has hosted international cricket matches, domestic tournaments, and cultural events since the 1950s. Over the years, it has been renovated to meet modern standards, making it an essential part of Indian cricket history.
10. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Capacity: 33,000
- Wankhede Stadium is one of India’s most iconic cricket venues, having hosted the 2011 Cricket World Cup final, where India lifted the trophy. It is known for its suspended cantilever roofs, which ensure unobstructed views for spectators. This stadium has undergone multiple renovations to maintain world-class standards. It remains a premier venue for Test matches, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL games.
Boundary Comparison: Top 10 Biggest Cricket Stadium in India
The boundary sizes of the top 10 biggest cricket stadium in India vary significantly, impacting the nature of matches and scoring trends. Generally, larger stadiums like Eden Gardens and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium have boundary sizes ranging from 70 to 80 meters. In contrast, stadiums like Wankhede and Sardar Patel Stadium (old structure) feature smaller boundaries, closer to 65 meters.
More significant boundaries tend to favour bowlers, making it more challenging for batsmen to hit boundaries consistently, which can slow down the scoring rate. On the other hand, smaller boundaries are advantageous for batsmen, leading to higher-scoring matches, especially in limited-overs formats like T20 and IPL.
In stadiums like Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and DY Patil Sports Stadium, with moderate-sized boundaries (around 70 meters), the games tend to have a balanced scoring trend, where both batsmen and bowlers get a fair chance to influence the outcome. These subtle differences in boundary dimensions are key in shaping match dynamics, influencing strategies, and determining scoring trends during games.
Importance of Cricket Stadiums in India
Cricket stadiums in India have grown into venues for the expected consummation of matches. They also seem to help promote India’s love for its sport, cricket, by serving many functions. The cricket stadiums described below in India have greatly helped further the country’s cricketing culture.
- Hosting International Tournaments and IPL Matches
Cricket stadiums in India are the stage for significant events like the ICC World Cup, T20 World Cup, and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Hosting such high-profile tournaments brings India global attention, promotes the sport, and offers a platform for Indian cricketers to shine. These events showcase the country’s cricketing talent and enhance its standing in the global sports arena.
- Infrastructure Development for Aspiring Cricketers
Indian stadiums, such as Narendra Modi Stadium and M A Chidambaram Stadium, offer the best facilities for budding cricketers. Such venues possess practice fields, training centres, and fitness centres so that young talents may have all the tools to grow and compete at the highest levels.
Celebrating India’s Cricketing Legacy Through Its Stadiums
One of the sport’s biggest followings revolves around the northern part of India, making the Narendra Modi Stadium the biggest stadium in India and one of the top ten cricket stadiums, evidence of their steadfast concentration on the elite infrastructure associated with the sport.
If you are an avid supporter or someone who watches for fun, then you have to visit these stadiums to get a feel of live sports. The experience of being in the crowd, feeling the veneration in the air, and standing and witnessing history makes it even more special. Therefore, visiting any of these embarked grounds will give individuals good insight into the sport and specifically promote cricket in India.
FAQs: The Biggest Stadium in India
1. Which is the biggest stadium in India?
Located in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat Narendra Modi Stadium is now also the biggest stadium in India, with a seating capacity of 132,000, more than any other stadium. It has all the essential features, including practice areas, VIP lounges, and, most importantly, excellent world-class facilities, which render it fit to host all the major international cricket events, including the IPL and others.
2. How many spectators can Eden Gardens hold?
Eden Gardens also ranks as the largest in India, as it can accommodate more than 66,000 spectators. Known as a hallowed ground for Indian cricket, the venue has witnessed several legendary games, including the 1987 World Cup and the 2016 T20 World Cup Final, thus making it a part of cricket history.
3. What is the capacity of Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium?
Located in Hyderabad, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has a capacity of 55,000 spectators. The stadium is known for hosting significant IPL matches and international fixtures. It is also the home ground of the Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL team, providing a vibrant atmosphere for fans during league matches.
4. Why is the Narendra Modi Stadium famous?
The Narendra Modi Stadium is renowned for its record-breaking 132,000 seating capacity, the Biggest cricket stadium in India. Located in Ahmedabad, it features modern infrastructure for players and spectators. The stadium hosts major cricket events, including IPL finals and international matches, further elevating its status in global sports.
5. Which is the oldest cricket stadium in India?
Eden Gardens is the oldest cricket stadium in India, established in 1864. It has hosted iconic cricket events in Kolkata, including World Cup matches and historic Test series. Eden Gardens’s rich legacy and long-standing cricket tradition symbolises India’s cricketing culture.
6. Which is the most beautiful cricket stadium in the world?
The Dharamshala Cricket Stadium in India is often considered the most beautiful, with stunning views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains. Other picturesque stadiums include Newlands (South Africa), Queenstown (New Zealand), and Adelaide Oval (Australia).
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