The excitement in the air is palpable as the cricketing world gears up for the 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, set to take place in India in October and November this year. This cricket extravaganza promises to be nothing short of spectacular, with ten iconic venues across the country playing host to a series of thrilling encounters. From the picturesque Dharamshala to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, these venues will witness thousands of passionate fans coming together to celebrate the finest the global game has to offer.
In this guide, we will take you on a journey through each of these ten venues, exploring their rich history, unique characteristics, and their significance in the upcoming tournament.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The cricketing carnival kicks off with a bang at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the largest sports stadium in the world. This stadium, with a jaw-dropping capacity of 1,34,000, is no stranger to history-making moments. This colossal venue will host the tournament opener on October 5, featuring a re-match of the unforgettable 2019 final as defending champions England take on New Zealand, the runners-up from four years ago. What’s more, this stadium will also witness the much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on October 14, a match that is sure to set pulses racing across the subcontinent. And to add to the grandeur, the Narendra Modi Stadium will be the venue for the World Cup final on November 19.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Before the renovation of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Eden Gardens in Kolkata held the title of the largest cricket venue in India, with a capacity of 68,000. It has a rich cricketing history, having hosted the first-ever World Cup final in 1987, following the first three editions being held at Lord’s in England. The lively pitch and the breezy conditions next to the Hooghly River are sure to create an ideal setting for some stunning ODI clashes, including a World Cup semi-final.
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Located in the vibrant city of Bengaluru, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is renowned for its relatively small boundary sizes of around 65 meters, making it a paradise for big hitters. It is expected that this venue will witness some of the highest-scoring innings of the tournament. The stadium has already seen history being made in the 2011 World Cup when Kevin O’Brien of Ireland smashed the fastest hundred in an ODI World Cup, achieving the feat in just 50 balls while guiding his team to a historic victory over England in a thrilling run chase of 328.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Situated next to the picturesque Indian Ocean, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai promises a unique and challenging environment for cricketers. It is known for its high humidity levels, which can add an additional dimension to the game. The stadium has a rich history, dating back to 1952 when India registered their first-ever win in Test cricket against England under the captaincy of Vijay Hazare.
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
The Indian capital, Delhi, boasts one of the most historic cricketing venues in the country, the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This stadium has witnessed many memorable moments, including Sachin Tendulkar breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s record for the most Test centuries when he scored his 35th ton in a 2005 match against Sri Lanka. Historically known for producing slow pitches, the square underwent renovation, resulting in an increase in pace, which has led to more high-scoring matches in recent years.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharamsala
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala is one of the newer additions to the list of international cricket venues in India. With its breathtaking views of the Himalayas, this stadium has quickly become a favorite among players and fans alike. One distinctive feature of this stadium is its relatively small boundary size of 64 meters, ensuring that fans are close to the action, and high-scoring innings are expected. The stadium’s opening match of the World Cup between Afghanistan and Bangladesh promises to be a thrilling contest, with the picturesque backdrop adding to the spectacle.
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, built in 2017, may not have a long history of hosting international matches, but it is well-prepared to play a crucial role in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The stadium has undergone extensive renovations since the Lucknow Super Giants claimed it as their home venue. On October 12, history will be made as this stadium hosts its first-ever World Cup fixture, featuring a clash between Australia and South Africa.
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Mumbai, often referred to as India’s “cricket capital,” boasts another colossal venue in the form of the Wankhede Stadium. This stadium, built in 1974, has witnessed numerous historic moments in the sport. From Sachin Tendulkar’s masterful innings in the 1996 Men’s Cricket World Cup to left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel’s remarkable figures of 10/119 for New Zealand against India, the venue is known for providing magical moments. Wankhede Stadium will play a pivotal role in the tournament as it hosts one of the semi-finals, promising an electrifying atmosphere and a high-stakes clash to determine one of the finalists of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 202
MCA International Stadium, Pune
Nestled in a secluded area on the outskirts of Pune, the MCA International Stadium has steadily gained prominence in the world of cricket. It hosted its first international game when India took on England in 2012 and was granted Test status in 2016. The stadium, with a seating capacity of 42,700, is known for its ability to produce high-scoring matches. On October 19, the MCA International Stadium will make its mark on the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 as it hosts its first match of the tournament, featuring the hosts India taking on Bangladesh.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Before the construction of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in 2005, all international cricket in Hyderabad was played at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium. Over the years, this 39,200-capacity venue has gained immense popularity, especially with the rise of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), who have established themselves as a formidable force in the tournament for nearly a decade. Hyderabad will host three matches in October, including the clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on October 12.
Betting Options for Enthusiastic Fans
Fans eagerly awaiting the 2023 Cricket World Cup can engage in the excitement not only by cheering for their favorite teams but also by placing bets on the matches through popular betting platforms regardless of whether they are attending these venues or not. Under the K9win banner, CNN Expansion offers cricket exchange live for users on their mobiles at the venue or at the convenience of home without leaving their couch to fully indulge in the excitement of the cricket world cup.
With ten competitive teams, including favorites like India, betting enthusiasts have a wide array of options to wager on, adding an extra layer of excitement as they put their cricket knowledge and intuition to the test while supporting their preferred teams. K9win, known for its top-notch sports betting and live casino games in India, stands out as a trusted and reputable bookmaker in the market, offering the highest sports betting odds and gaining the loyalty of fans across Asia despite its relatively short six-year history.
Wrap Up
The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India promises an unparalleled cricket extravaganza with ten unique venues across the country. From the grand Narendra Modi Stadium to serene Dharamsala, historic Eden Gardens to modern Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, these locations will showcase cricketing excellence. Get ready for a cricketing feast as India welcomes the world in 2023.
Also Read:
- IND vs ENG: Jadeja, Sundar, Gill Hundreds Help India Earn Dramatic Draw Against England in 4th Test
- “If There Are No Bilateral Matches, Why Play in Multination Events?”: Azharuddin on India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash
- Men’s Asia Cup 2025 To Be Held In UAE; ACC
- Ben Stokes Creates History With 11,000 International Runs And Rare 7,000 Runs-200 Wickets Test Feat
