Cricket is one of the oldest games in the world and has been historically attached to the audience. It is one of those games which evolves with modern technology parallel with historical and traditional values. Watching it on TV can give you awesome goosebumps but being a live audience in the stadium and feeling the vibrant culture is one of the best parts of this game.
Hundreds of venues have produced international and domestic cricket at the highest levels, but just a few stand out as the most iconic. Today in this article we will discuss the top five iconic and historic cricket grounds which should be visited by every cricket enthusiast.
5. The Gabba, Brisbane
The Gabba has been One of the strong fortresses of the Australian Team. It has hosted the first-ever Ashes game hosted by Aussies. Traditionally Gabba has been one of the furious cricketing grounds as it has produced some very iconic games in the history of the game. The Young Indian Test team in absence of senior players defeated Australia here in 2020 after 36 years and registered one of the most iconic victories in Indian cricket history.
It has long been known as a dangerous playing surface. Since 1945, England has only won two matches there, and just seven Englishmen have scored 100 runs. Although Recent pitch upgrades have meant that it has shed its reputation as a dangerous ground and is now of a good standard, it remains one of international cricket’s strongest fortresses.
4. Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Pakistan is one of the biggest hubs of cricket enthusiasm and the Gaddafi Stadium is by far their most renowned venue. The stadium, which was built in 1959 as Lahore Stadium was renamed after controversial Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi after he spoke in support of Pakistan’s nuclear program in 1974. It is decorated on the outside with red brick in the Mughal architecture and has been the home ground for ex-PM of Pakistan Imran Khan.
The most iconic partnership of Pakistan cricket against New Zealand in 1976 came on this ground itself. When Javed Miadand Iqbal produced a historic 281-run fifth wicket stand in the game against Kiwis. In 2009, the ground hosted the ill-fated Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka Test match. Six security personnel and two civilians were killed when the Sri Lankan team bus and convoy were ambushed. Five cricket players were hurt. As a result, international cricket in Pakistan has been suspended, with games being held in the United Arab Emirates.
3. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
The MCG is the second largest cricket ground after Narendra Modi Stadium. It was also the first to stage a Test or an ODI game. It has the largest light towers in international sports and hosts the annual Boxing Day Test, which is one of Australia’s biggest and most renowned sporting events. The outfield was constructed in 1853 when the then-15-year-old Melbourne Cricket Club was forced to relocate from its previous location due to the route of Australia’s first steam train passing through it.
Although MCG has witnessed some very iconic games and has also shared some most controversial games. Some major controversies include The 1981 underarm bowling incident, in which Australia bowled underarm to prevent New Zealand from hitting a six off the final ball to win, and umpire Darrel Hair giving seven no-balls in three overs of Muttiah Muralitharan.
2. Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens is the most iconic and historic ground for Indian cricket fans. It has been the favourite venue for India skipper Rohit Sharma, former captain Sourav Ganguly and others. Eden Gardens produce one of the most passionate and iconic games in the world.
Although India has only won 11 of their 39 Tests at Eden Gardens, the stadium, which opened in 1864, has provided a colourful atmosphere for not only the players but also the hundreds of spectators that visit the stadium every time. India has witnessed some great knocks and wins here including Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka in November 2014 and the match-winning partnership of Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly in 2001 against Australia. The game is recalled as the “mother of all comebacks” in cricketing history.
1. The Lord’s, London
There was no way that ‘The home of Cricket’ was not going to be on the list. The third of Thomas Lord’s grounds was constructed in 1814. It has been home to the world’s oldest cricket club the Melbourne Cricket Club. It has hosted four World Cup finals and some other iconic matches including the traditional Gentleman v Players match between amateurs and professionals as well as the Eton v Harrow game and several exciting matches have been played here.
India’s most iconic ODI victory was also registered here when India edged England in the finals of the Natwest cup. The match was remembered by Indian cricket fans for then-India Captain Sourav Ganguly’s most iconic victory celebration. After winning the game Ganguly took off his jersey and wave it triumphantly to the crowd.