Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, an international cricket venue in Lucknow, India.

Built at a cost of 360 crores, it opened its doors in 2017. Originally named Ekana Cricket Stadium, it was renamed in 2018 to honor former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

With a seating capacity of 50,000, it’s India’s fifth-largest cricket stadium. Known for the longest straight boundaries in India, it provides a unique atmosphere for spectators.

The stadium has hosted significant matches, including its international debut in a T20I between India and the West Indies in 2018.

It serves as the home ground for the Uttar Pradesh cricket team, UP women’s cricket team, and IPL team Lucknow Super Giants. The venue also held matches of the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium: The Largest Ground from Lucknow

Inaugurated in 2017, the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, India, stands out as one of the country’s largest stadiums in India.

Its significant cricketing moments include hosting the Uttar Pradesh teams and the IPL’s Lucknow Super Giants, and it was a venue for the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Notably, it marked the return of international cricket to Lucknow in 2018 with a T20I match between India and the West Indies. However, here are some of keypoints of Ekana Cricket Stadium:

The History

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, located in Lucknow, India, began its journey in 2014. A public-private partnership between Ekana Sportz City and the Lucknow Development Authority led to its construction.

Nagarjuna Construction Company and GC Construction & Development Industries Pvt Ltd formed Ekana Sportz City for this venture.

The government leased 71 acres for the stadium and an additional 66 acres for real estate projects. The stadium, built with a budget of 360 crores, opened its doors for cricket in 2017.

Before gaining international recognition, the stadium hosted the 2017–18 Duleep Trophy final. Its first international match, a T20I between India and the West Indies, was played on November 6, 2018.

This event marked the return of international cricket to Lucknow after 24 years. The stadium also served as a home ground for the Afghanistan cricket team and hosted the Afghanistan vs West Indies series in 2019, including the venue’s first ODI and Test matches.

In recent times, the stadium has become a key venue for One Day Internationals (ODIs), hosting notable matches such as India’s win over England and a World Cup match between Australia and South Africa.

It witnessed the highest ODI score of 311/7 by South Africa and the lowest team score of 129 by England at this venue. West Indies’ Shai Hope and South Africa’s Quinton de Kock both scored centuries here.

As a home ground for the IPL team Lucknow Super Giants, the stadium has seen five IPL matches.

The pitch conditions favor spin bowlers, contributing to interesting gameplay dynamics. KL Rahul holds the record for the highest individual IPL score at this venue, with 74 runs.

Stadium Capacity

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium boasts a seating capacity of 50,000, ranking it as the fifth largest cricket stadium in India.

This capacity places it among the larger cricket venues globally. The stadium’s bowl design, following ICC and BCCI guidelines, enhances spectator proximity to the cricket action, elevating the viewing experience.

The record attendance at the stadium was 46,000 during the India vs England match in 2023. This highlights its popularity for high-profile cricket matches, and any popular domestic tournaments.

The stadium’s design includes various modern amenities like VIP and VVIP lounges, player facilities, media rooms, and an art gallery, enhancing the fan experience.

These features, combined with its significant seating capacity, contribute to a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for cricket enthusiasts.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is distinctive, with both red and dark soil composition.

Historically, the pitch has favored spinners and slower bowlers, leading to low-scoring matches. Recently, though, the pitch has undergone changes that allow for more balanced run-scoring.

During day matches, bowlers find assistance with variable bounce and a hint of turn, while under lights, conditions shift slightly, benefiting pacers with a quicker ball delivery.

However, captains must consider dew later in the games, adding complexity to toss decisions.

In terms of performance, the stadium has seen an average first innings score of 244 in ODIs.

The highest team score recorded here was 311/7 by South Africa, and the lowest was 129 all out by England.

Individual performances like Shai Hope’s unbeaten 109 and Mohammed Shami’s best bowling figures of 4/22 highlight the pitch’s ability to support both batting and bowling feats.

The weather in Lucknow typically features clear skies with moderate humidity and temperatures ranging from 33 to 35 degrees Celsius during the IPL season, unlikely to disrupt play.

The stadium’s changing pitch conditions and the local weather thus combine to offer a dynamic and challenging environment for cricketers.

Memorable Matches and Moments

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has hosted several significant cricketing events that have cemented its place in cricket history. Here are some of iconic moments from Ekana stadium:

• First International Match: On November 6, 2018, the stadium hosted its first international match, a T20I between India and the West Indies. This match marked the return of international cricket to Lucknow after 24 years.
• Afghanistan vs West Indies Series 2019: In 2019, the stadium hosted the Afghanistan vs West Indies series, including its first ODI and Test matches.
• South Africa vs Australia, 2023 World Cup: South Africa set the record for the highest team total at the venue with 311/7, leading to a 134-run win against Australia.
• India vs England, 2023 World Cup: England recorded the lowest team total at this venue, managing only 129 against India.
• 2017–18 Duleep Trophy Final: Before its international debut, the stadium hosted the final of the 2017–18 Duleep Trophy.
• Afghanistan’s Home Venue: In 2019, Afghanistan national cricket team used the stadium as their third home venue in India
• Karim Janat’s Bowling: In 2019, Karim Janat recorded the best T20I bowling figures at this venue with 5/11 against West Indies.
• Lizelle Lee’s Batting: Lizelle Lee scored the highest individual ODI score at the venue, 132* for South Africa Women against India Women in 2021.
• Shamarh Brooks’ Test Record: Shamarh Brooks holds the highest individual score in Test cricket at this venue, with 111 against Afghanistan in 2019.

Facilities and Features

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow offers a range of modern facilities and features to enhance the experience of spectators, players, and officials.

• The stadium can accommodate 50,000 spectators, with seating designed to bring fans closer to the action.
• The stadium includes VIP and VVIP lounges, offering enhanced viewing experiences for guests seeking premium services. These lounges likely offer exclusive food and beverage services and comfortable seating arrangements.
• The stadium is equipped with floodlights, allowing for day/night matches.
• Advanced scoreboards and sound systems are expected, enhancing the live match experience.
• Connectivity features such as Wi-Fi are likely available, though specific details are not provided.
• The stadium has state-of-the-art dressing rooms and practice areas for players.
• A private gym, sauna, ice bath, and jacuzzi are available for players, along with essential medical facilities.

The Ekana Cricket Stadium’s facilities reflect its status as a world-class cricketing venue, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved, from players to spectators.

Visitor Information: Location and Tips

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium is located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated on the Northwestern bank of the Gomati River, a region rich in Mughal and Awadhi cultural heritage, enhancing its appeal to visitors.

Lucknow Airport is the closest airport to the stadium. From there, visitors can use local transportation or cabs to reach the stadium.

Meanwhile Lucknow Railway Station is the nearest train station. The stadium is accessible from here via local transport or cabs.

The stadium is well-connected to other cities, allowing for easy access by private vehicle, taxi, or cab.

Tickets for events at the Ekana Cricket Stadium can be purchased online through platforms like BookMyShow and Paytm.

They can also be bought offline at the venue box office or authorized local stores. The online purchasing process is straightforward, involving selecting the match, choosing seats, and completing the transaction.

Match Day Tips

• Visitors should consider bringing sun protection, especially for day matches.
• Familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited items to avoid inconvenience.
• Maintain expected behavior, respecting both the venue’s rules and the spirit of the sport.

Architecture

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium recognized as one of the most stunning cricket stadium, which shown Lucknow’s rich heritage, mirroring the city’s Nawab-style infrastructure.

Its design, a collaborative effort led by Skyline Architectural Consultants, beautifully incorporates elements of Lucknow’s Mughal architecture.

Constructed under a public-private partnership involving Ekana Sportz City, the Lucknow Development Authority, Nagarjuna Construction Company, and GC Construction & Development Industries Pvt Ltd.

Its layout ensures unobstructed views from all seating areas. The roofing, consistent with the Mughal-inspired theme, making the stadium a unique blend of modern functionality and traditional aesthetics.

Final Words about Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, blending Lucknow’s Nawab and Mughal architectural styles, is a 50,000-capacity cricketing hub.

It’s the home ground for the Uttar Pradesh teams and IPL’s Lucknow Super Giants. The stadium has witnessed historic cricketing events and is equipped with modern facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for both players and spectators.

Its accessibility via various transport options adds to its appeal. The pitch, favoring spinners, poses a strategic challenge for teams, making matches at Ekana Stadium uniquely engaging.