Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium is a historic and iconic cricket stadium located in Kolkata, India. It is the oldest cricket stadium in India and has a seating capacity of over 66,000 spectators, making it the second-largest cricket stadium in the country after the newly built Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Eden Gardens has hosted more than 80 Test matches, making it one of the most important cricket venues in the world. The stadium has also hosted several One Day International (ODI) matches and Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. It has the unique feature of having a giant screen on the roof of one of its stands, which was installed during the 2011 renovation.
The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in cricket history. It hosted the final of the 1987 World Cup, which was won by Australia. It also hosted the semi-final of the 1996 World Cup between India and Sri Lanka, which was awarded to Sri Lanka after Indian fans disrupted the game.
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The second Test match between India and Australia in 2001, often referred to as the “Greatest Test Ever”, was also played at this stadium. The stadium hosted the final of the 2016 World T20, which was won by the West Indies.
History of Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium
The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium was established in 1864 and was originally used for horse racing. It was named ‘Auckland Circus Gardens’ at that time. In 1910, the ground was renamed ‘Eden Gardens’ after a nearby park, and the first cricket match was played on the ground in 1934 when the Bengal cricket team played against the team from Madras.
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Eden Gardens is the home ground of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team has won the IPL twice, in 2012 and 2014, playing some memorable matches at the stadium.
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The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium was renovated in 2011 to increase the seating capacity and upgrade the facilities. The renovation cost was around Rs. 300 crores. It has been awarded several times for its excellent facilities, including the Best Venue Award by the Indian Cricket Board in 2011 and 2014.
Notable Cricketing Moments at Eden Gardens Stadium
Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in cricket history. Here are a few notable ones:
- 1987 World Cup Final: The stadium hosted the final of the 1987 World Cup, which was won by Australia.
- 1996 World Cup Semi-Final: The stadium hosted the semi-final of the 1996 World Cup between India and Sri Lanka. The match was awarded to Sri Lanka after Indian fans disrupted the game.
- 2001 Kolkata Test: The second Test match between India and Australia in 2001 is often referred to as the “Greatest Test Ever”. India, following on, scored 657/7 and declared to set a target of 384 for Australia, which they failed to chase and India won by 171 runs.
- 2016 World T20: The stadium hosted the final of the 2016 World T20, which was won by the West Indies.
- IPL: Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium is the home ground of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team has won the IPL twice, in 2012 and 2014, playing some memorable matches at the stadium.
Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium is not only an important venue for cricket in India but also a historical and cultural landmark of Kolkata.
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Other Interesting Facts about Eden Gardens
- The stadium has hosted more than 80 Test matches, making it one of the most important venues for cricket in the world.
- The stadium was renovated in 2011 to increase the seating capacity and upgrade the facilities. The renovation cost was around Rs. 300 crores.
- The stadium has the unique feature of having a giant screen on the roof of one of its stands. This was installed during the 2011 renovation.
- The highest individual score in Test cricket, made by Brian Lara of the West Indies (400 not out), was achieved at this stadium in 2004.
- The stadium has also hosted non-cricketing events such as concerts, political rallies, and religious gatherings.
- The stadium is located in the heart of Kolkata and is easily accessible by public transport. It is also a popular tourist attraction in the city.
- The stadium has been awarded several times for its excellent facilities, including the Best Venue Award by the Indian Cricket Board in 2011 and 2014.
Overall, Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium is an iconic cricketing venue that has witnessed some of the most historic moments in cricket history. It is a must-visit destination for cricket fans and tourists visiting Kolkata.
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