Top 5 Iconic Cricket stadiums every fan must visit

Cricket has achieved milestones on a global stage in recent years. The game started back late 16th century. England and Australia were the only sides to play at the beginning. Later the game developed and teams from across the world joined the family. Previously there were no established stadiums in the world as the game developed the stadiums were also built for the fans to enjoy the game. 

Cricket stadiums in the world are more than just locations for matches, they are cultural landmarks with a rich history and a dedicated audience. Lord's of England, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia are some of the iconic and best cricket stadiums in the world. 

The fans once in their lifetime would like to visit these stadiums and have a flavour of the game live from these iconic stadiums. In the article, we will look at the most iconic stadium that the fans must visit once in their lifetime. 

Here are the top 5 Iconic Cricket stadiums every fan must visit

5. Eden Park Cricket Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand

This is one of the beautiful stadiums, that is situated in New Zealand. It is also the largest stadium in New Zealand with a capacity of 42,000. It is one of the best-lit stadiums for ODIs and a day-night match. It has been the ground for cricket since 1903. This is the stadium where the greatest batter of all time Sachin Tendulkar made his ODI debut for India.

During the 1992 Cricket World Cup, the stadium held four matches, including the semi-final between New Zealand and Pakistan. It also held four matches during Australia and New Zealand's co-hosting of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Two pool B games were played, as well as the pool A  match between co-hosts New Zealand and Australia.

4. Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia

The stadium was built in the year in 1848. It still has one pavilion that has not changed the name which is the Green Roofed Ladies Pavilion. Around 46,000 fans can watch a match at the iconic ground. The ground has seen some of the best cricketing innings so far with the late Sir, Donald Bradman scoring 452 not out, in 1929. 

The fans will also not forget the greatest doubled hundred Sachin Tendulkar played here as he scored 241 runs against a fiery Australian attack without playing a single cover drive. The great Brain Lara scored 501 runs in a first-class game in 1994. One cricketing tragedy happened in the year in 2014 when a bouncer by Australian pacer Sean Abbott struck the head of Phil Hughes who died as a result of a subarachnoid hemorrhage in the same year.  

3. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia

The MCG is the second-largest stadium in the world. This stadium is home to two professional cricket teams as well as the Australian National Cricket Team, as well as four professional Australian Rules Football clubs. The stadium was first built in the year 1854. It had a capacity of around 125,000, but after the reconstruction of the seats, it was reduced to 97,000. 

It has held some famous matches in past years such as the 1982-83 Test between Australia and England, the thrilling Australia-New Zealand decider in 1987-88, and the 1992 World Cup Final between Pakistan and England. Also, the 2015 final Australia defeated New Zealand and became the World Cup champions for the fifth time.

2. Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India

The Eden Gardens, Kolkata is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. It is called 'Cricket’s Answer to the Colosseum' and was built in the year 1864. It has a capacity of almost 85,000. This has been the home of the former India skipper Sourav Ganguly, it has the best outfield in the world. The ground also has the best cover and Supper Sopper and drainage system is also pretty good.  

It has witnessed some iconic matches, with the BGT 2000-2001 VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid's partnership and Harbhajan Singh's hattrick. The 2016 T20 World Cup final when Carlos Brathwaite smacked four sixes in the last over against Ben Stokes to win the final for the West Indies. 

1. Lord's Cricket Ground, London, England

Lord's is the oldest stadium. The stadium is also named the 'The Home of Cricket'. It was established in the year 1814. Though it has a capacity of 30,000 fans the aura of watching a game at this stadium is fascinating for the spectators. The ground has witnessed some of the greatest games of the cricketing history. 

The 2002 Natwest series final was the most memorable match when Sourav Ganguly's India defeated England in the final ODI to win the series while chasing a target of 326 runs. Then the skipper took off his shirt and swirlled on the iconic balcony of the ground. England became the world champion for the first time in the year 2019 when they defeated the Kiwis on a boundary count.