The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is underway in India from 5 October to 19 November, featuring 10 teams and 48 matches. It is the first time that the tournament is hosted entirely in India, showcasing the rich diversity and culture of the country. The matches are being played across 10 different venues, each with its own history and significance.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens is one of the most iconic and historic cricket stadiums in the world. It is the oldest cricket stadium in India, having been established in 1864. It is also the second-largest cricket stadium in the world after the Narendra Modi Stadium, with a capacity of 66,000 spectators.
Eden Gardens has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in cricket history, such as India’s first Test win over Australia in 1956, India’s epic chase of 326 against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final, and India’s thrilling win over Pakistan in the 2016 World T20.
Eden Gardens is hosting five matches in the World Cup 2023, including one of the semi-finals on 16 November. The stadium is known for its passionate and knowledgeable crowd that creates an electrifying atmosphere for the players and fans. The stadium also has a rich legacy of producing some of the finest cricketers in India, such as Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Mohammad Shami, and Wriddhiman Saha.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Narendra Modi Stadium, formerly known as the Motera Stadium, is the world’s largest cricket stadium, with a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators. It was inaugurated in February 2020 by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Namaste Trump event.
The stadium has hosted many memorable matches in the past, such as Sunil Gavaskar’s 10,000th Test run, Kapil Dev’s 432nd Test wicket, and Sachin Tendulkar’s first double century in ODIs. The stadium also witnessed India’s historic win over England in the pink-ball Test in February 2021.
The Narendra Modi Stadium is hosting five matches in the World Cup 2023, including the tournament opener between England and New Zealand on 5 October, the final on 19 November, and the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan on 15 October.
The stadium boasts of world-class facilities such as four dressing rooms, six indoor practice pitches, three outdoor practice fields, a clubhouse, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a cricket academy. The stadium also has a unique circular design that ensures an unobstructed view of the field from any angle.
The most anticipated match of the tournament so far was played at this venue on 15 October, when India faced Pakistan in a high-voltage encounter. India won the toss and elected to field first, putting Pakistan under pressure. Pakistan could only manage to score 191 runs in 42.5 overs, with none of their batsmen crossing fifty.
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
The Wankhede Stadium is one of India’s most famous and prestigious cricket stadiums. It was built in 1974 after a dispute between the Cricket Club of India and the Mumbai Cricket Association over using the Brabourne Stadium. The Wankhede Stadium has hosted many important matches in Indian cricket history, such as Ravi Shastri’s six sixes in an over in 1985, Sachin and Tendulkar’s farewell Test match in 2013, and India’s glorious victory over Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final.
The Wankhede Stadium is hosting five matches in the World Cup 2023, including one of the semi-finals on 15 November. The stadium is known for its lively pitch that offers bounce and movement for the fast bowlers and spins for the spinners. The stadium also has a sea breeze that can affect the ball’s swing. The stadium has a capacity of 32,000 spectators, creating a loud and vibrant atmosphere for the players and fans.
The first match of the tournament at this venue will be played on 21 October, when England will take on South Africa in a crucial encounter.
M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk Stadium, is one of India’s oldest and most historic cricket stadiums. It was established in 1916 and named after M.A. Chidambaram, a former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The stadium has hosted many landmark matches in Indian cricket history, such as India’s first Test victory in 1952, Sunil Gavaskar’s record-breaking 30th Test century in 1983, and Rahul Dravid’s epic knock of 270 against Pakistan in 2004.
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium is hosting five matches in the World Cup 2023, including India’s opening match against Australia on October 8. The stadium is known for its spin-friendly pitch that challenges the batsmen and rewards the spinners.
The stadium also has a loyal and enthusiastic fan base that supports the home team and the local franchise, Chennai Super Kings. The stadium has a capacity of 50,000 spectators, which creates a festive and colourful atmosphere for the players and fans.
Summary
The Cricket World Cup 2023 is proving to be a grand spectacle of cricket showcasing the best of the game and the country. The 10 venues that are hosting the matches are offering a variety of conditions and challenges for the teams and players.
The venues also provide a glimpse of India’s rich culture and heritage, as well as the passion and love for cricket among the people. The World Cup 2023 is an opportunity for fans to witness some of the most iconic venues in cricket history and enjoy some of the most thrilling matches.