There are many popular sports around the world like Football, Volleyball, and Wrestling, etc. But, cricket — one of the oldest sports in the world has a separate fanbase. Often followed as a religion, cricket has Gods instead of players and devotees instead of fans.
While there are millions of cricket fans around the world, thousands of epic cricket stadiums are there varying from capacity to history and atmosphere. Here in this article, we have mentioned the top 5 most popular cricket stadiums in the world based on various factors such as atmosphere, pitch type, and size. These are the performance affecting factors based on what we have prepared the following list.
1. Lord’s, London
We would like to start with the home of cricket also considered being one of the biggest cricket stadiums in the world. Built-in 1814, this iconic cricket ground is home to Marylebone Cricket Club and the country team Middlesex of London. What makes it on our list of the top 5 most popular cricket stadiums in the world is its lovely atmosphere and size. It’s perhaps the best cricket ground for test matches due to its weather.
Holding Capacity: 30,000
History: England vs India 2002 (NatWest Trophy final), India vs West Indies 1983 world cup, and in its 201 years history, this world’s best cricket stadium has hosted more than 100 test matches.
Author’s Tip: Don’t forget to capture the scenic view of the Worcester River from the top seat.
2. The Oval, London
Needless to say, because the name itself resembles the Oval shape that itself defined the history of this iconic cricket stadium in the world. Built-in 1845, one of the most popular cricket stadiums in the world has been inspiring architects around the world to build something similar. It sports a high-quality wicket that normally releases more runs and pace in equal measures. Talk about the atmosphere, it offers one of the most pleasant and cricket-friendly weather in the world. By the historic events, we would consider this one the most popular cricket stadiums in the world.
Holding Capacity: 25,500
History: The Oval was the first cricket stadium in the world to host the very first test match in England against Australia. More historically, it holds the historic match where the foundation stone of rivalry between England and Australia was set. To add a twist, it’s roots are linked back to the 1872 Football World Cup Final.
Author’s Tips: Don’t forget to get a selfie with the world’s only iconic gas tanks (Floodlights).
3. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
One of the largest cricket stadiums in the world, MCG welcomes more than 100,000 Aussies on every boxing day when they land here with their Christmas BBQs to create a carnival-like atmosphere around for the traditional test match. Though it’s not as old as the Lord, many histories have been created here. Constructed in 1853, this is one of the most popular cricket stadiums in the world with the highest light towers than elsewhere on the planet.
Holding Capacity: 90,000
History: It hosted the first-ever International Test Match between Australia and England and the first-ever One Day International Test Match in 1971 between Australia and England and dramatically the Aussies went on to victory in both matches.
Author’s Tip: Get some beer or enjoy the game from the rooftop cafes all over the ground.
4. Eden Gardens, India
If you ask any Indian about the most popular cricket stadiums in the world, he would probably name one in England, and the second is “Eden Garden” in Kolkata. Indian most premium cricket grounds, it serves as the home ground for the Kolkatta Knight Riders. It becomes tough to handle the pressure when thousands of fans go crazy and scream loud to cheer up their teams. Built-in 1864, Eden Garden is well known for the riots that took place in the late 1960s and 1999.
Holding Capacity: 68,000 on records, but over 100,000 during special occasions.
History: This is the ground where India holds the record of the highest Test score, where Harbhajan Singh became the first Indian to bag a hat-trick against Australia and this is the ground where the fire ignited after Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar collided with the God of Cricket “Sachin Tendulkar” impeding his play.
Auther’s Tip: If you are visiting Eden Garden, you must savor Bengali Sweet.
5. Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia
Often preferred over the MCG the Sydney Cricket Ground is one of the most popular cricket stadiums in the world known for the spectacular view it offers to spectators. Established back in 1848 in Moore Park, Sydney, SCG is one of the most prestigious and oldest cricket grounds in the world. It usually hosts International Test Matches on New Year’s Eve. Aussies’ favorite Rugby and Football matches are also played at this Multi-sport stadium.
Holding Capacity: 48,000
History: SCG is the historic ground where Sir Don Bradman bagged the highest first-class score of 452 Not Out. Also, the former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting holds the record for most triple-figure scores: Sixes.
Auther’s Tip: To get the best view of Yabba’s Hill and the Pat Hills, you better reserve a seat ahead of the Clock Tower.
These are the 5 most popular cricket stadiums in the world that are tied up with a rich history and, of course, astonishing architecture. We will cover up the biggest cricket grounds in the world in our next article. As of now, get into this and learn about the best cricket stadiums in the world, their capacity, and histories stitched to them.
