Cricket is one of the most-followed sports across the planet, with nations like India, England, Pakistan, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and West Indies having huge fan-bases. To have home fans is a matter of pride. Sometimes, there have been incidents where cricket stadiums are not filled for a match. Meanwhile, there are also occasions, where tickets are sold out in no time. Stadiums with big seating capacity have an advantage in the second case.
The higher the seating-capacity, the more revenue they can generate. Because of advertising, ticketing is not the number one way of revenue generation in cricket. Still, it is one of the top revenue sources. IPL franchises prefer playing their home games at a neutral venue for more revenue. In this listicle, we will glance at the top five biggest cricket stadiums globally.
(Source – Wikipedia)
5. Perth Stadium – 60,000
Perth generally hosted its cricket matches at the WACA Ground. However, Perth Stadium has replaced it now. Two years ago, Perth Stadium hosted its first Test match. The venue has also hosted T20Is and ODI matches in Australia. The Perth Stadium has a grand capacity of 60,000 fans.
Big Bash League club Perth Scorchers use this ground as their home venue. There are two ends in this stadium. Member’s End and Langer Stand End are the names of the two ends. Apart from Perth Scorchers and Australia, Western Australia plays its home games here. The stadium opened in January 2018.
4. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium – 65,000
Nava Raipur’s stadium holds the number four spot on this list. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium has not hosted a single international match so far. Surprisingly, BCCI has not used the 65,000 capacity venue. Delhi Daredevils have played some home games on this ground. Also, this stadium hosts some CLT20 matches.
Many cricket experts have praised the facilities at this venue. Two new IPL teams might join the league. If there is a chance of revenue generation, Raipur could get its own new team. Also, it may get India’s matches soon. Chattisgarh uses this ground for home matches.
3. Eden Gardens – 80,000
Eden Gardens is one of the most well-known big stadiums in the world. Kolkata’s stadium has hosted many high-profile games. Earlier, Eden Gardens had more seating capacity, but now it has been trimmed down to 80,000. Rohit Sharma loves playing at this venue. Also, the Indian team has a great record here.
Like Lord’s, there is a bell to begin play in Kolkata. This venue played host to India’s first day-night Test. The Indian team won that game by an innings. KKR play their home matches here. Also, Eden Gardens hosted IPL 2014 Final.
2. Melbourne Cricket Ground – 100,024
MCG held the record for the world’s biggest cricket stadium for a long time. Now, the record has been broken. Still, MCG is one of the grandest cricketing venues in the world. It has hosted several high-profile fixtures. It also hosts Victoria Bushrangers.
Melbourne Stars play their home BBL matches at this massive stadium. MCG is the dream venue for any cricket fan. The energy inside the stadium is of the next level. MCG will host Boxing Day Test between India and Australia. It is the biggest stadium outside India.
1. Sardar Patel Stadium – 110,000
Ahmedabad’s Sardar Patel stadium is the world’s biggest cricket stadium. India and England will play day/night Test here next year. Also, they will play one more Test and five T20Is. It has a capacity of 110,000. The stadium is yet to host its first game.
Motera Stadium hosted India vs Australia quarter-final in 2011 World Cup. It also served as the home venue for RR. Ahmedabad will likely get its IPL team soon. This venue will be used more often then. This stadium will break many records.
