Top Cricket Stadiums in the world
21. SuperSport Park
Location Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
Capacity 22,000
Built 1985
Teams Northerns, Northern Transvaal, South Africa
Atmosphere
Somewhat depressingly named after the TV company who sponsor it, this relatively new venue delivers a relaxed environment, particularly on the grassy banks where a BBQ is often in action.
History
There isnt an abundance of cricketing History at the ground, but Sachin Tendulkar scored his 50th Test century here and it also hosted the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy final.
Aesthetics
The typically modern stands take some time to love but the grassy banks and exceptional facilities for players and spectators alike make up for it.
Capacity 22,000
Built 1985
Teams Northerns, Northern Transvaal, South Africa
Atmosphere
Somewhat depressingly named after the TV company who sponsor it, this relatively new venue delivers a relaxed environment, particularly on the grassy banks where a BBQ is often in action.
History
There isnt an abundance of cricketing History at the ground, but Sachin Tendulkar scored his 50th Test century here and it also hosted the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy final.
Aesthetics
The typically modern stands take some time to love but the grassy banks and exceptional facilities for players and spectators alike make up for it.
22. Rose Bowl
Location Southampton, UK
Capacity 20,000
Built 2001
Teams Hampshire, England
Atmosphere
Situated in the countryside just outside of Southampton, this pretty ground is a perfect place to watch cricket on a warm summer day or night.
History
Barely a decade old, the Rose Bowl doesnt score highly in this category yet. However, its been a regular fixture on Englands summer white ball schedule. It hosted its inaugural Test match when Sri Lanka visited in 2011.
Aesthetics
What this brand new stadium may lack in character, it makes up for with its perfect circular pitch, which is nicely complemented by a stylish pavilion and stands.
Capacity 20,000
Built 2001
Teams Hampshire, England
Atmosphere
Situated in the countryside just outside of Southampton, this pretty ground is a perfect place to watch cricket on a warm summer day or night.
History
Barely a decade old, the Rose Bowl doesnt score highly in this category yet. However, its been a regular fixture on Englands summer white ball schedule. It hosted its inaugural Test match when Sri Lanka visited in 2011.
Aesthetics
What this brand new stadium may lack in character, it makes up for with its perfect circular pitch, which is nicely complemented by a stylish pavilion and stands.
23. Port Elizabeth
Location Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Capacity 19,000
Built 1885
Teams Eastern Cape, Warriors, South Africa.
Atmosphere
Generally speaking, this one of the quieter venues on the Rainbow Nations cricketing circuit. However, the place comes to life for internationals.
History
Another stadium to have been heavily regenerated post 2000. Back in 1988, the ground staged the first ever Test match that took place outside of England and Australia.
Aesthetics
With its iconic four tier Duckpond End stand, St Georges Oval is one of the more recognisable cricketing stadiums in South Africa and comes complete with the requisite grass banks to lounge on.
Capacity 19,000
Built 1885
Teams Eastern Cape, Warriors, South Africa.
Atmosphere
Generally speaking, this one of the quieter venues on the Rainbow Nations cricketing circuit. However, the place comes to life for internationals.
History
Another stadium to have been heavily regenerated post 2000. Back in 1988, the ground staged the first ever Test match that took place outside of England and Australia.
Aesthetics
With its iconic four tier Duckpond End stand, St Georges Oval is one of the more recognisable cricketing stadiums in South Africa and comes complete with the requisite grass banks to lounge on.
24. Headingley
Location Leeds, UK.
Capacity 17,000
Built 1890
Teams Yorkshire, England
Atmosphere 7 x 2 after about four pints
Many opposing teams and fans dont know what has hit them when the almost football like climate of the Western Terrace a no go area for families gets warmed up.
History
How about two triple centuries from the Don? Or Yorkshires very own Geoffrey Boycott scoring his 100th century here. And, of course, that performance from Ian Botham in 1981?
Aesthetics
Like its rival across the Pennines, Headingley can never be described as the most picturesque spot to watch cricket, and its new marble effect Media Centre seems a little out of place.
Capacity 17,000
Built 1890
Teams Yorkshire, England
Atmosphere 7 x 2 after about four pints
Many opposing teams and fans dont know what has hit them when the almost football like climate of the Western Terrace a no go area for families gets warmed up.
History
How about two triple centuries from the Don? Or Yorkshires very own Geoffrey Boycott scoring his 100th century here. And, of course, that performance from Ian Botham in 1981?
Aesthetics
Like its rival across the Pennines, Headingley can never be described as the most picturesque spot to watch cricket, and its new marble effect Media Centre seems a little out of place.
25. The Gabba
Location Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Capacity 42,000
Built 1895
Teams Queensland, Brisbane Heat, Australia
Atmosphere 11 if youre drunk, 1 if youre sober
Normally boasting an excellent batting track, the Gabba also offers a hostile environment for the opposition
Capacity 42,000
Built 1895
Teams Queensland, Brisbane Heat, Australia
Atmosphere 11 if youre drunk, 1 if youre sober
Normally boasting an excellent batting track, the Gabba also offers a hostile environment for the opposition
26. Wankhede Stadium
Location Mumbai, India.
Capacity 34,000
Built 1974
Teams Mumbai, Mumbai Indians, India.
Atmosphere
A classic subcontinental cauldron of colour and noise during IPL and international contests where the enthusiastic locals come in their droves.
History
As well as hosting Ravi Shastris six sixes and Sunil Gavaskars 205 against the West Indies, its most poignant moment was when Sachin Tendulkar walked off the field for the very last time in November 2013.
Aesthetics
Like many of todays grounds, the Wankhede Stadium lost some of its lustre after its 21st century renovations, but it remains a spectacular sight when theres a full house.
Capacity 34,000
Built 1974
Teams Mumbai, Mumbai Indians, India.
Atmosphere
A classic subcontinental cauldron of colour and noise during IPL and international contests where the enthusiastic locals come in their droves.
History
As well as hosting Ravi Shastris six sixes and Sunil Gavaskars 205 against the West Indies, its most poignant moment was when Sachin Tendulkar walked off the field for the very last time in November 2013.
Aesthetics
Like many of todays grounds, the Wankhede Stadium lost some of its lustre after its 21st century renovations, but it remains a spectacular sight when theres a full house.
27. Karachi Cricket Stadium
Location Karachi, Pakistan
Capacity 34,000
Built 1955
Teams Karachi, Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan
Atmosphere
Pakistans current home game embargo has unfortunately removed the fervent melting pot that is the National Stadium from the international circuit.
History
A fortress for Pakistan, who have lost just two Tests here, the ground played host to Mohammad Younis scoring his record breaking ninth century in a single calendar year.
Aesthetics
The field of play is pleasingly circular but a closer inspection reveals dilapidated stands, leaking roofs, rusting seats and crumbling concrete staircases.
Capacity 34,000
Built 1955
Teams Karachi, Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan
Atmosphere
Pakistans current home game embargo has unfortunately removed the fervent melting pot that is the National Stadium from the international circuit.
History
A fortress for Pakistan, who have lost just two Tests here, the ground played host to Mohammad Younis scoring his record breaking ninth century in a single calendar year.
Aesthetics
The field of play is pleasingly circular but a closer inspection reveals dilapidated stands, leaking roofs, rusting seats and crumbling concrete staircases.
28. Basin Reserve
Location Wellington, New Zealand
Capacity 11,600
Built 1868
Teams Wellington, New Zealand
Atmosphere
Broadly speaking, the Kiwi cricket watching public tend to be more restrained than their trans Tasman counterparts. That said, a visit by Australia certainly ups the ante.
History
Built on land flattened by an earthquake, the New Zealand capital hosted its first Test match in 1929. Sir Richard Hadlee is the leading wicket taker on the ground having taken 53 wickets at an average of 20.3.
Aesthetics
Despite literally being in the middle of a roundabout, the Basin Reserves Location at the foot of Mount Victoria makes for picturesque cricketing scenes.
Capacity 11,600
Built 1868
Teams Wellington, New Zealand
Atmosphere
Broadly speaking, the Kiwi cricket watching public tend to be more restrained than their trans Tasman counterparts. That said, a visit by Australia certainly ups the ante.
History
Built on land flattened by an earthquake, the New Zealand capital hosted its first Test match in 1929. Sir Richard Hadlee is the leading wicket taker on the ground having taken 53 wickets at an average of 20.3.
Aesthetics
Despite literally being in the middle of a roundabout, the Basin Reserves Location at the foot of Mount Victoria makes for picturesque cricketing scenes.
29. Feroz Shah Kotla
Location Delhi, India
Capacity 40,000
Built 1883
Teams Delhi, Delhi Daredevils, India
Atmosphere
Famed for its cauldron like, partisan Atmosphere, playing at the Feroz is a huge test of nerve for opposing players.
History
Delhi fans have seen many ups and downs over the years. Euphoric highs such as Anil Kumble taking all 10 wickets in one innings mix with the embarrassing low of a 2009 ODI against Sri Lanka being abandoned due to a poor pitch.
Aesthetics
Something of a concrete jungle dominated by the huge Stadium End stand that looks like a multi storey car park.
Capacity 40,000
Built 1883
Teams Delhi, Delhi Daredevils, India
Atmosphere
Famed for its cauldron like, partisan Atmosphere, playing at the Feroz is a huge test of nerve for opposing players.
History
Delhi fans have seen many ups and downs over the years. Euphoric highs such as Anil Kumble taking all 10 wickets in one innings mix with the embarrassing low of a 2009 ODI against Sri Lanka being abandoned due to a poor pitch.
Aesthetics
Something of a concrete jungle dominated by the huge Stadium End stand that looks like a multi storey car park.
30. Queens Park Oval
Location Queens Park Oval, Trinidad
Capacity 25,000
Built 1896
Teams Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, West Indies
Atmosphere
A classic Caribbean carnival like Atmosphere with the larger than life fans providing as much entertainment off the field as there is on it. Everything is magnified when the West Indies are in town.
History
Despite the Windies having declined of late, theyve produced many memorable performances here, including bowling England out for a paltry 46 in 1994.
Aesthetics
Against the scenic backdrop of the Northern Hills, a circle of slightly mismatching stands some refurbished in 2007 for the World Cup nicely blend the old and the new.
Capacity 25,000
Built 1896
Teams Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, West Indies
Atmosphere
A classic Caribbean carnival like Atmosphere with the larger than life fans providing as much entertainment off the field as there is on it. Everything is magnified when the West Indies are in town.
History
Despite the Windies having declined of late, theyve produced many memorable performances here, including bowling England out for a paltry 46 in 1994.
Aesthetics
Against the scenic backdrop of the Northern Hills, a circle of slightly mismatching stands some refurbished in 2007 for the World Cup nicely blend the old and the new.
