Arun Jaitley Stadium, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, is a cricket stadium located in Delhi, India. It is named after the former Finance Minister of India, Arun Jaitley, who was also a prominent figure in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).
The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 41,000 spectators and is home to the Delhi cricket team, as well as the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals (DC). It is known for its unique architecture, including the cantilever roofs that cover the stands.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium was established in 1883 and has undergone several renovations over the years, including the installation of floodlights and the construction of new stands. It has also been a venue for other sports such as football and has hosted several international matches in the sport.
Over the years, the stadium has been witness to several historic moments in cricket, including Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in 1999, and Sachin Tendulkar’s historic 200* against South Africa in 2010.
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Apart from cricket, the Arun Jaitley Stadium has also been a venue for music concerts and other cultural events, with several prominent artists performing at the stadium over the years.
History of Arun Jaitley Stadium
The Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, now known as Arun Jaitley Stadium, has a long and rich history in Indian cricket. The stadium was established in 1883 and is one of the oldest cricket grounds in India. It was named after Feroz Shah Tughlaq, a 14th-century Sultan of Delhi who built the nearby Feroz Shah Kotla fort.
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Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations, with the most significant one taking place in 2008 when the stadium was rebuilt to meet international standards. The renovation included the installation of floodlights and a new playing surface.
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In 2019, the stadium was renamed after Arun Jaitley, who played a pivotal role in the development of cricket in Delhi and was the former president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Notable Cricketing Moments at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Arun Jaitley Stadium has witnessed several historic moments in cricket, including some of the most notable ones:
- Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in 1999: Kumble became only the second bowler in the history of Test cricket to take 10 wickets in a single inning. His feat helped India win the Test match by 212 runs.
- Sachin Tendulkar’s historic 200* against South Africa in 2010: Tendulkar became the first batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score a double century. His innings helped India win the match by 153 runs.
- Virat Kohli’s 254* against South Africa in 2019: Kohli became the highest-scoring Indian captain in Test cricket, surpassing the previous record held by MS Dhoni. His innings helped India win the Test match by innings and 137 runs.
Arun Jaitley Stadium Events
Arun Jaitley Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in New Delhi, India, which is primarily used for cricket matches. The stadium has a seating capacity of 41,820 and is home to the Delhi Capitals IPL franchise. In addition to hosting cricket matches, the stadium has also been used for other events over the years. Here are some of the Arun Jaitley Stadium events that have been held given below:
- Indian Premier League (IPL) matches – The stadium is primarily used for hosting IPL matches, and the Delhi Capitals play their home matches at the venue.
- International cricket matches – The stadium has also hosted several international cricket matches, including both Test and ODI matches. It has been a regular venue for matches in the Indian cricket team’s home calendar.
- Indian Super League (ISL) football matches – The stadium has also been used for hosting ISL football matches, with Delhi Dynamos FC using it as their home ground for several seasons.
- Music concerts – Over the years, the stadium has also hosted several music concerts featuring some of the biggest names in the Indian music industry.
- Political rallies – Being located in the heart of New Delhi, the stadium has also been used as a venue for political rallies and events.
- Other sports events – The stadium has also been used for hosting other sports events, including kabaddi matches and hockey matches.
Arun Jaitley Stadium is primarily used for cricket matches, and it is one of the most important cricket venues in India. However, it has also been used for hosting other events over the years, including football matches, music concerts, political rallies, and other sports events.
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The stadium has also been used as a venue for political rallies and other public events, with several prominent politicians addressing crowds at the stadium over the years.
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