Smaller cricket stadiums in India limit fans’ chances to watch their favorite players, affecting the match atmosphere. This list focuses on seating capacity rather than boundary length, highlighting five stadiums that offer unique experiences despite their smaller size. Let’s explore the top five smallest cricket stadiums in India.
5. Inderjit Singh Bindra Stadium
The Inderjit Bindra Stadium, located in Mohali, Punjab, hosted the memorable India vs Australia World Cup match in 2016. It serves as the home ground for the Punjab Kings IPL team, where fans display immense passion and support. With a seating capacity of 28,000, this stadium ranks among the top 5 smallest cricket stadiums in India.
Despite its charm, smaller grounds like these often host fewer international and IPL games, which limits their popularity on the larger cricketing stage.
4. Saurashtra Cricket Stadium
The Saurashtra Cricket Stadium in Rajkot, Gujarat, once served as the home ground for the former IPL team Gujarat Lions. With a seating capacity of 28,000, it has hosted several international matches in the past.
Currently, however, it hasn’t been assigned any games, primarily due to Gujarat’s larger Narendra Modi Stadium, which now hosts most major matches, leaving less room for other stadiums in the region.
3. DR.YSR Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium
Located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, the Dr. YSR Reddy Stadium benefits bowlers due to coastal moisture affecting pitch conditions. With a seating capacity of 27,500, it ranks as the third smallest cricket stadium in India.
This stadium hosts around two to three international white-ball games annually and serves as the home ground for the Andhra cricket team for both domestic and regional matches.
2. Sawai Mansingh Stadium
Situated in Jaipur, Rajasthan’s vibrant Pink City, Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) ranks as the second smallest cricket stadium in India with a seating capacity of 23,185. Despite its size, the stadium is filled with passionate fans supporting their cricket heroes.
Known for its spin-friendly, slower pitch, SMS challenges batters aiming for big scores. The ground hosted four IPL games in the 2023 season after a three-year gap, with enthusiastic local support for the Rajasthan Royals.
1. Dharamshala Stadium
Dharamshala Stadium, India’s smallest cricket ground, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, offering stunning views of snow-capped Himalayan mountains and lush greenery. With a seating capacity of just 23,000, it caters to the growing passion for cricket while preserving its natural charm.
Historically hosting only domestic matches, the ground welcomed its first international ODI in 2013, marking a significant milestone for this picturesque venue. Its unique setting ensures that high-scoring games are rare, adding to its allure as a serene cricketing haven.