by Every sport needs stages where its dramas unfold. Basketball has arenas. Football has stadiums.
Tennis has courts. Cricket, with its unique requirements—expansive fields, specific pitch conditions, seating for thousands, demands specialized infrastructure that few nations can provide at scale.
The question of how many international cricket stadiums in India goes beyond mere counting.
It opens a window into how the world’s second-most populous nation built an unmatched sports infrastructure network over three-quarters of a century.
This isn’t a story of random construction or haphazard development. It’s a calculated evolution driven by economic growth, population distribution, political competition, and an almost religious devotion to cricket.
Consider the complexity involved. International cricket venues require ICC certification, meeting specific standards for pitch quality, drainage systems, seating capacity, and player facilities.
They need broadcast-ready technology, security infrastructure, and accessibility features.
Building and maintaining such facilities demands massive investment that only became possible as India’s economy grew exponentially from the 1990s onward.
But infrastructure alone doesn’t explain India’s stadium numbers. Cultural factors matter equally.
In most countries, sports enthusiasm splits across multiple games: football, rugby, basketball, and baseball.
India concentrates its sporting passion almost exclusively on cricket, creating demand for venues that would seem excessive in more diversified sports markets.
This guide examines India’s cricket stadium network from multiple perspectives: historical development, geographic distribution, economic impact, and future expansion.
The numbers tell a remarkable story about a nation that turned cricket infrastructure into a source of national pride and competitive advantage.
How Many International Cricket Stadiums in India?
Where Dreams Are Made: India’s Love Affair With Cricket Stadiums
Close your eyes and imagine this: It’s April 2nd, 2011. Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India needs 4 runs to win the World Cup.
MS Dhoni hits a massive six over long-on. The crowd erupts. Fireworks light up the Mumbai sky. Strangers hug each other, crying with joy.
That’s not just a cricket match. That’s a moment that defined a generation. And it happened in a stadium.
Or think about Eden Gardens in Kolkata during an India-Pakistan match. The roar of 68,000 fans when Sachin Tendulkar walks out to bat sounds like thunder rolling through the stands.
The ground shakes. Your heart pounds. You forget everything except the next ball.
That’s the magic of Indian cricket stadiums.
These aren’t just concrete structures with seats and grass. They’re temples where millions worship cricket. They’re theaters where heroes are born and legends retire.
They’re living monuments that hold decades of memories in every brick.
Every Indian cricket fan has a stadium story.
Maybe you watched your first match at Chepauk in Chennai, feeling the sea breeze as spinners turned the ball square.
Perhaps you sat in Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, watching Virat Kohli chase down an impossible target. Or you traveled all the way to Dharamshala, where snow-capped Himalayas form the most beautiful cricket backdrop on Earth.
Each stadium has its own personality, its own soul, its own place in cricket history.
This guide takes you on a journey through every international cricket stadium in India—from the oldest to the newest, from the largest to the most scenic, from the famous to the forgotten.
Let’s explore India’s 81 cricket temples together.
The Big Number: How Many International Cricket Stadiums in India?
How Many International Cricket Stadiums in India exist as we enter 2025?
The answer is 81 stadiums that have hosted at least one official international match recognized by the ICC (International Cricket Council).
But let’s break that down because not all stadiums are created equal:
- 15 premier venues host most Test matches and major ODIs
- 30 regularly active stadiums get international matches every 1-2 years
- 36 occasionally used venues host smaller series or backup locations
- 2 more stadiums are opening in 2025 (Varanasi and Bengaluru’s Surya City)
So by December 2025, the total will reach 83 international cricket stadiums.
That’s more than any other cricket-playing nation in the world! For comparison:
- Australia has approximately 40 international venues
- England has around 30
- South Africa has about 25
- Pakistan has roughly 20
India’s 81 stadiums reflect not just infrastructure—they show how deeply cricket runs in Indian blood.
The Legendary Venues: Where History Was Made?
Some stadiums transcend sports and become national landmarks. Here are the most famous:
| Stadium Name | City | Capacity | Special Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narendra Modi Stadium | Ahmedabad | 132,000 | World’s largest cricket stadium |
| Eden Gardens | Kolkata | 68,000 | “Mecca of Indian Cricket” since 1864 |
| Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai | 33,000 | 2011 World Cup Final venue |
| M. A. Chidambaram Stadium | Chennai | 38,000 | Historic spinning tracks since 1916 |
| M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | Bengaluru | 40,000 | First solar-powered cricket stadium |
| Rajiv Gandhi Stadium | Hyderabad | 55,000 | Modern architectural marvel |
| JSCA Stadium | Ranchi | 40,000 | MS Dhoni’s home ground |
| HPCA Stadium | Dharamshala | 23,000 | Most scenic venue with a Himalayan backdrop |
| Arun Jaitley Stadium | Delhi | 41,000 | Capital’s cricket heartbeat since 1883 |
| Ekana Stadium | Lucknow | 50,000 | Newest world-class venue (2018) |
- Eden Gardens holds a special place in every Indian fan’s heart. It’s where cricket legends are born. The 1987 World Cup semi-final against England. Sourav Ganguly’s shirtless celebration in 2002. Countless Sachin centuries. The ground breathes history.
- Wankhede Stadium became immortal on April 2, 2011. That World Cup Final night turned every Indian into a believer. The stadium now has a special aura—walking through its gates feels like stepping into cricket heaven.
- Narendra Modi Stadium represents India’s modern ambitions. With 132,000 capacity, it’s not just Asia’s largest—it’s the world’s biggest cricket venue, surpassing even Australia’s MCG. When it’s full, the noise is deafening.
From Past to Present: The Stadium Evolution Story
- The 1950s and 1960s: The Humble Beginnings
Back then, international cricket was an elite affair. Only a handful of stadiums existed—Eden Gardens, Chepauk, Brabourne Stadium, and Feroz Shah Kotla.
These venues had basic facilities. No floodlights. No giant screens. Just open stands under the hot sun where thousands squeezed in to watch cricket.
Tickets were cheap. The crowds were massive. Police struggled to control the passion.
- The 1980s: The Post-1983 World Cup Boom
When Kapil Dev lifted the World Cup trophy at Lord’s in 1983, cricket in India exploded. Every city wanted its own stadium.
Suddenly, places like Mohali, Guwahati, and Bangalore got international venues. State governments competed to host matches. Cricket became a matter of regional pride.
- The 2000s: BCCI’s Financial Power
As BCCI’s wealth grew from television rights and sponsorships, stadium construction accelerated. Purpose-built venues appeared in Ranchi, Dharamshala, and Raipur.
These weren’t just upgrades—they were world-class facilities matching anything in Australia or England.
- The 2010s: The IPL Effect
IPL changed everything. Suddenly, stadiums needed better lighting for night matches, corporate boxes for sponsors, and entertainment facilities for families.
Old stadiums got massive renovations. New ones incorporated technology from day one. Cricket moved from a simple sport to a complete entertainment package.
- The 2020s: Sustainability and Technology
Today’s stadiums are environmental marvels. Chinnaswamy Stadium runs on solar power. Narendra Modi Stadium harvests rainwater. Ekana Stadium uses LED lighting that cuts energy use by 60%.
Modern venues aren’t just bigger—they’re smarter, greener, and more fan-friendly than ever before.
Complete List of International Cricket Stadiums in India
For fans searching for the List of International Cricket Stadium in India or wanting the India all Stadium Name list, here’s a comprehensive table of major venues:
| Stadium Name | City | State | Capacity | Year Opened | Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narendra Modi Stadium | Ahmedabad | Gujarat | 132,000 | 2020 | World’s largest stadium |
| Eden Gardens | Kolkata | West Bengal | 68,000 | 1864 | Historic “Mecca of Cricket” |
| Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium | Raipur | Chhattisgarh | 65,000 | 2008 | Massive capacity venue |
| Rajiv Gandhi Stadium | Hyderabad | Telangana | 55,000 | 2004 | Modern design excellence |
| Ekana Stadium | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 50,000 | 2018 | Newest world-class facility |
| Barabati Stadium | Cuttack | Odisha | 45,000 | 1958 | Historic eastern venue |
| Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium | Nagpur | Maharashtra | 45,000 | 2008 | Central India cricket hub |
| Arun Jaitley Stadium | Delhi | Delhi | 41,000 | 1883 | Capital’s premier ground |
| M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | Bengaluru | Karnataka | 40,000 | 1969 | Solar-powered innovation |
| JSCA Stadium | Ranchi | Jharkhand | 40,000 | 2010 | MS Dhoni’s home |
| M. A. Chidambaram Stadium | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 38,000 | 1916 | Spinning pitch specialist |
| Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium | Pune | Maharashtra | 37,000 | 2012 | Modern facilities |
| Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai | Maharashtra | 33,000 | 1974 | 2011 World Cup Final |
| Green Park Stadium | Kanpur | Uttar Pradesh | 32,000 | 1945 | Historic Test venue |
| Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Jaipur | Rajasthan | 30,000 | 1969 | Rajasthan Royals home |
| Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium | Rajkot | Gujarat | 28,000 | 2013 | Fast bouncy pitches |
| Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium | Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | 27,000 | 2003 | Beautiful coastal venue |
| Punjab Cricket Association Stadium | Mohali | Punjab | 26,000 | 1993 | Consistent Test host |
| Indira Gandhi Stadium | Vijayawada | Andhra Pradesh | 25,000 | 1981 | Coastal city cricket |
| Moin-ul-Haq Stadium | Patna | Bihar | 25,000 | 2012 | Bihar’s cricket pride |
| HPCA Stadium | Dharamshala | Himachal Pradesh | 23,000 | 2003 | Most scenic backdrop |
| Holkar Stadium | Indore | Madhya Pradesh | 30,000 | 2011 | Central India venue |
| Nehru Stadium | Guwahati | Assam | 25,000 | 1962 | Northeast cricket hub |
| Captain Roop Singh Stadium | Gwalior | Madhya Pradesh | 23,000 | 2003 | Historic city venue |
| Sardar Patel Stadium | Motera, Ahmedabad | Gujarat | 49,000 | 1982 | Predecessor to Modi Stadium |
This represents just 25 of the 81 total venues that have hosted international cricket. The complete List of International Cricket stadiums in India includes many more grounds across smaller cities and towns.
Top 10 Cricket Stadium in India: The Fan Favorites
When discussing the Top 10 Cricket Stadium in India, fans consider not just size but atmosphere, history, and memorable matches.
1. Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad)
- Capacity: 132,000
- Why fans love it: Sheer scale overwhelms. When full, it’s like a concert for cricket.
2. Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
- Capacity: 68,000
- Why fans love it: The atmosphere is electric. Kolkata fans are cricket’s most passionate.
3. Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)
- Capacity: 33,000
- Why fans love it: The 2011 World Cup Final makes every match feel special here.
4. M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru)
- Capacity: 40,000
- Why fans love it: Green stadium, tech-savvy crowd, runs flow freely on this batting paradise.
5. Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Hyderabad)
- Capacity: 55,000
- Why fans love it: Modern design, great sightlines from every seat, lively Hyderabad crowd.
6. JSCA Stadium (Ranchi)
- Capacity: 40,000
- Why fans love it: MS Dhoni’s home ground. Fans worship him here like nowhere else.
7. HPCA Stadium (Dharamshala)
- Capacity: 23,000
- Why fans love it: Snow-capped mountains in the background. Cricket with a view!
8. M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai)
- Capacity: 38,000
- Why fans love it: Spin bowling heaven. The pitch talks to spinners.
9. Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi)
- Capacity: 41,000
- Why fans love it: Rich history, capital city pride, excellent facilities after renovations.
10. Ekana Stadium (Lucknow)
- Capacity: 50,000
- Why fans love it: Brand new, immaculately maintained, it represents UP’s cricket ambitions.
State-by-State Stadium Breakdown
How Many International Cricket Stadium in UP:
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, has 3 major international stadiums:
- Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow) – The crown jewel with 50,000 capacity
- Green Park Stadium (Kanpur) – Historic venue since 1945, hosted countless Tests
- Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium (Greater Noida) – A Newer addition for 20,000 fans
Upcoming: Varanasi will add a 4th stadium by December 2025, making UP one of India’s cricket powerhouses.
How Many International Cricket Stadium in Bihar:
Bihar currently has 1 official international cricket stadium:
Moin-ul-Haq Stadium (Patna) – Capacity 25,000, hosts ODIs and T20Is occasionally
Bihar’s cricket is growing fast. Plans exist for upgraded facilities in Gaya and Muzaffarpur.
Other Major States:
- Maharashtra: 6 stadiums (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Nashik, Aurangabad)
- Gujarat: 4 stadiums (Ahmedabad’s 2 venues, Rajkot, Vadodara, Surat)
- Tamil Nadu: 3 stadiums (Chennai, Salem, Dindigul)
- Karnataka: 3 stadiums (Bengaluru, Mysore, Hubli)
- West Bengal: 2 stadiums (Kolkata, Siliguri)
- Telangana: 2 stadiums (Hyderabad, Warangal)
This distribution ensures cricket reaches every corner of India, not just metro cities.
Modern Technology: What Makes Today’s Stadiums Special?
Indian cricket stadiums aren’t stuck in the past. They’re embracing cutting-edge technology:
Sustainability Features:
- Solar panels generating stadium electricity
- Rainwater harvesting systems storing millions of liters
- LED lighting reducing carbon footprint by 40-60%
- Waste management systems recycling 80%+ of stadium waste
Fan Experience Upgrades:
- Ultra HD 4K screens visible from every angle
- Stadium-wide high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity
- Mobile app ticketing with digital seat finding
- Cashless payment systems at all food counters
- Air-conditioned corporate boxes and player lounges
Playing Surface Innovations:
- Hybrid pitches combining natural grass with synthetic fibers
- Advanced drainage allowing play 30 minutes after rain stops
- Pitch moisture sensors giving real-time data to groundsmen
- Retractable covers protecting surfaces overnight
Broadcasting Technology:
- Spider cams providing aerial match views
- Stump cameras showing batsman’s perspective
- 360-degree replay systems from multiple angles
- Infrared heat mapping showing pitch behavior
These advances put Indian stadiums among the world’s best, competing with Melbourne Cricket Ground or Lord’s in quality.
Coming Soon: Future Stadium Projects
India’s stadium story continues with exciting projects launching in 2025.
Varanasi International Cricket Stadium (Uttar Pradesh)
Expected opening: December 2025
This stadium captures Varanasi’s spiritual essence through architecture inspired by ancient temples. The 40,000-capacity venue will feature:
- Traditional design elements mixed with modern facilities
- Prime location near Varanasi Airport for easy access
- State-of-art drainage for monsoon season matches
- LED floodlights enabling day-night cricket
For UP cricket fans, this creates another venue alongside Lucknow and Kanpur, strengthening the state’s cricket infrastructure.
Surya City International Cricket Stadium (Bengaluru, Karnataka)
Expected opening: Late 2025
This massive 80,000-capacity venue will become South India’s second-largest stadium after Hyderabad. Special features include:
- Completely solar-powered like Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Retractable roof sections protecting from rain
- Underground parking accommodating 5,000+ vehicles
- Premium facilities aimed at hosting IPL finals
Bengaluru will have two world-class stadiums, making it a cricket capital rivaling Mumbai or Kolkata.
Once these open, How Many International Cricket Stadiums in India will the answer become? 83 venues—cementing India’s position as cricket’s infrastructure leader globally.
Why Stadium Numbers Matter to Fans?
More stadiums mean more opportunities. More chances to see Virat Kohli bat live.
More possibilities of watching Jasprit Bumrah bowl yorkers from 20 meters away. More memories created with friends and family in the stands.
When your city has a stadium, cricket stops being something you watch on TV and becomes something you experience.
The roar when a six sails into the stands. The collective groan when a catch is dropped. The nervous silence before a winning run.
That’s why How Many International Cricket Stadiums in India matters; each number represents thousands of fans who now have access to live international cricket.
Final Thoughts: A Nation Built on Cricket Stadiums
So, to answer definitively: How Many International Cricket Stadiums in India exist in 2025?
81 stadiums currently, growing to 83 by year-end.
From Eden Gardens’ 160-year history to Narendra Modi Stadium’s futuristic 132,000 capacity, these venues tell India’s cricket story better than any history book.
They’re where Sachin scored his hundredth hundred. Where Dhoni hit that World Cup-winning six. Where Kohli chases impossible targets. Where tomorrow’s stars will create new legends.
Every stadium holds stories—of victories and defeats, of heroes and heartbreaks, of moments that defined generations.
For Indian cricket fans, these 81 stadiums aren’t just buildings. They’re pilgrimage sites. They’re community centers. They’re places where cricket dreams come alive.
And that number keeps growing, ensuring cricket’s future in India remains as bright as its glorious past.
