Nestled amidst the modern cityscape of Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, stands the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, a monument to cricketing grandeur and a cherished landmark in the city's vibrant tapestry.
Often referred to as the Nava Raipur International Cricket Stadium, this iconic venue has etched its name in the annals of cricketing history, having hosted numerous international matches and nurtured cricketing legends.
The stadium's origins can be traced back to the early 2000s when the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) recognized the need for a modern cricketing facility in Nagpur.
With a vision to create a venue that would not only host world-class cricket matches but also serve as a training ground for aspiring cricketers, the VCA embarked on a project to construct a state-of-the-art stadium.
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, situated in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, stands as a magnificent symbol of cricketing excellence.
This stadium embodies a rich historical legacy since its inauguration in 2008. With a colossal seating capacity of 65,000, it’s not only the largest stadium in Central India but also ranks as the third-largest in India and the fifth-largest globally.
The stadium’s distinct feature is its field size, with large boundary lengths, stands as the longest in Asia, creating an enthralling atmosphere for spectators.
Notably, this cricket ground’s pitch presents a balanced contest between bat and ball, occasionally favoring both pacers and spinners, earning recognition for its quality and fairness.
The pitch and ground were awarded as the best in the Central Zone for the 2017-18 season by the BCCI, reflecting its high standards.
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, hosting various India’s popular tournament, including IPL matches since 2013 when it became the second home for the Delhi Daredevils team.
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium: Raipur Cricket Grand Stage
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur is one of the world’s largest cricket stadiums.
It boasts an impressive 65,000-seat capacity and the longest boundaries in Asia. Beyond that, let’s explore each story behind this stadium.
The History of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, also known as the Nava Raipur International Cricket Stadium, epitomizes a blend of cricketing prowess and historical tribute.
Its namesake, Veer Narayan Singh Binjhwar, a key figure in the 1857 Indian independence war, lends a rich historical context to the stadium in Chhattisgarh, India.
The stadium’s construction, initiated in 2006 and completed in 2008 with an investment of Rs 145 Crore, reflects the vision of the Chhattisgarh Government.
It includes modern sports facilities, media amenities, corporate boxes, and roofing for comfort in hot weather.
The stadium marked its cricketing debut in 2010 with a one-day match between the Canada national cricket team and the Chhattisgarh state team, setting the stage for more illustrious events.
In 2013, it emerged as a significant venue in the Indian Premier League (IPL), hosting the Delhi Daredevils for two of their home matches.
This development followed a strategic invitation from the chief minister to the Daredevils’ franchise owners, leading to rapid enhancements of the stadium’s infrastructure.
The IPL matches, including the first game in April 2013 between the Delhi Daredevils and Pune Warriors, were a significant milestone, establishing the stadium as the 19th venue to host an IPL match.
Adding to its cricketing credentials, the stadium also played host to eight T20 matches during the 2014 Champions League Twenty20.
This included two group stage games and all six qualifier matches, with the qualifiers achieving a sold-out status for the first time in the tournament’s history.
These developments not only highlight the stadium’s growing prominence in cricket but also showcase its ability to adapt and evolve, embodying both the sport’s spirit and its regional heritage.
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Stadium Capacity
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, inaugurated in 2008, has an approximate seating capacity of 65,400.
This makes it the largest cricket stadium in Central India, the third-largest in India, and the fifth-largest in the world.
The construction of the stadium, which began in 2006 and was completed in 2008 at a cost of Rs 145 Crore, reflects modern sports arena facilities, including media and corporate amenities, and roofing for spectator comfort during hot periods.
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium with its vast field size of 180 yards x 160 yards and average boundary size of 80 meters, contributes to its large seating capacity.
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Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, known for its 22-yard strip, generally presents a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Historically, it has provided a fair challenge for both pacers and spinners, offering something for all types of players to exploit.
This balance is partly due to the ground’s significant boundary dimensions, one of the largest in India, with an average length of 80 meters and a maximum of 84 meters for all format matches.
The expansive field dimensions contribute to a level playing field for batsmen and bowlers alike.
The nature of the pitch has varied across formats. In T20 matches, it has shown a slight bias towards batsmen, with an average first innings score of 131.
However, the pitch can slow down as the game progresses, bringing spinners into play while pacers have to rely on variations and slower deliveries.
This dynamic nature of the pitch provides a nuanced and strategic aspect to the game. For One Day Internationals (ODIs), if the pitch leans towards being more bowler-friendly, it suggests a preference for selecting more bowlers and bowling all-rounders in the lineup.
Such weather conditions, coupled with the pitch characteristics, contribute to the unique cricketing experience at the venue.
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Iconic Moments
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium has witnessed several memorable moments and matches in its history:
First IPL Match: The stadium’s first IPL match was on April 28, 2013, between the Delhi Daredevils and the Pune Warriors. The Delhi Daredevils secured victory by 15 runs.
2013 IPL Matches: In 2013, the Delhi Daredevils played two IPL matches at the stadium. The first match was against the Pune Warriors and the second against the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 1, 2013. To ensure greater success, the stadium waived the entertainment tax for these matches.
2014 Champions League Twenty20: The stadium hosted eight T20 matches during the 2014 Champions League Twenty20, including two group stage games and six qualifier matches. Notably, for the first time in the history of CLT20, the qualifiers were sold out.
2015 IPL Matches: The Delhi Daredevils hosted two IPL games in 2015 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Chennai Super Kings. The match against Sunrisers Hyderabad was particularly notable as Moises Henriques was named Man of the Match for his 74 runs off 46 balls.
2016 IPL Matches: In 2016, the Delhi Daredevils again hosted two IPL games, including a dramatic match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, which came down to the last ball with Delhi Daredevils winning by 6 wickets. The other match was against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, a crucial game for the playoff qualifications, which the Royal Challengers won.
Visitor Information: Location and Tips
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium is located in Sector-3 of Naya Raipur.
It is conveniently situated close to the Swami Vivekananda Airport in Naya Raipur and is approximately 21 kilometers away from the main city of Raipur.
This strategic location near the airport makes it accessible for both local and international visitors.
Architecture
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, is known for its modern architectural style.
The exterior is clad in white concrete, giving it a sleek and contemporary look. The design philosophy seems to focus on modern sports arena facilities, ensuring comfort for both players and spectators.
It includes renovated media facilities and corporate boxes, with roofs covering most of the ground to provide comfort during hot periods.
The stadium was designed by the architect firm HKS, Inc. It features a rectangular shape with four stands arranged around the pitch.
These stands are connected by a series of arches, creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.
Final Words on Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium
All in all, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chhattisgarh, India, combines historical significance and cricketing excellence.
Constructed between 2006 and 2008, it’s one of the largest cricket stadiums globally with a capacity of around 65,400. It gained prominence by hosting IPL matches from 2013 and the 2014 Champions League Twenty20.
The stadium offers a balanced pitch for varied playing styles and boasts modern architecture and facilities, symbolizing the region’s heritage and the sport’s spirit.
FAQs - Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium
What is the size of the pitch in Raipur stadium?
The pitch at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium is approximately 171 meters (561 feet) long and 146 meters (479 feet) wide.
How many international matches played in Raipur?
As of today, a total of 25 international matches (11 ODIs and 14 T20Is) have been played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium.
How many IPL matches are there in Raipur?
As of today, a total of 17 IPL matches have been played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium.
