7 Cricket Stadiums That Every Cricket Lover Must Visit
In India, cricket fans are not just fans, they are fanatics. They consider cricket a religion which makes them devotees. And it is the duty of every devotee to make a pilgrimage. And cricket abounds in religious spots. There are places around the world where history has been made, legends have entered folklore and records have been shattered.
So here are 7 Stadiums around the world you should visit if you consider yourself as a true lover of cricket:
The Lord’s Cricket Ground and MCC Museum, London
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Named after its founder Thomas Lord, this stadium is the undisputed Mecca of Cricket. Established in 1814, the stadium also plays host to the world’s oldest sports museum. The MCC Museum has a collection of memorabilia that includes the famous Ashes Urn and also items related to iconic players like Sir Donald Bradman and WG Grace.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
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The largest cricket stadium in the world with a seating capacity of over 1,00,000. The MCG was established in 1854 and was the first stadium to have a colour scorecard with instant replay displayed on the ground. The stadium is used for other events as well, but it is a legendary venue when it comes to cricket.
The Eden Gardens, Kolkata
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Eden Gardens has hosted some of the most memorable matches of the sub-continent. With a capacity of 90,000, the ground was built in 1864 in Kolkata. It is the largest cricket stadium in India and the second largest in the world. Every cricket lover should attend a match here just to witness the amazing atmosphere.
The WACA Ground, Perth
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Located in Perth, the Western Australian Cricket Association Stadium was established circa 1890. The pitch here is the quickest in the world, with the outfield being equally fast. It has not only witnessed fast scoring but great bowling performances as well. Also next to the ground is the WACA Museum that houses items of not just cricket history but also other sports that have been played here.
The Newlands Cricket Ground, South Africa
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The ground’s official name is Sahara Park Newlands Cricket Ground due to sponsorship arrangements. Newland’s, located in Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the most beautiful cricketing grounds in the world with a picturesque view overlooked by Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak. What a backdrop when you’re watching a match.
The HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
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The venue is situated at a height of 4780 feet with an amazing view of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range in the background. The ground itself has a unique construction of colourful stands that are visible from nearby hills as well if you are at a higher altitude. The seating capacity is only 23,000 but the picturesque beauty and the surreal ambiance is something even the WACA or Lord’s can’t boast of.
The Mitcham Cricket Green, London.
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Believed to be in use since 1685, it is probably the oldest cricket ground. During the 19th century, the Australian cricket team would reside in the Cricketers’ Pub and practice on the green during their tour. The current pavilion is quite unique as it is the only cricket pavilion in the world to be separated from the ground by a road.
