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The Cricket World Cup
One of the biggest sporting events in the world is set to take place in India, and even in our very own Wankhede Stadium, early next month. The T20 Cricket World Cup last year generated 6.58 Billion total views across all ICC platforms (ICC), and this year will probably be no different.
Many different venues have been selected carefully to host the World Cup. There are a few no-brainers, such as the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, or the massive Motera Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, let’s take a look at the entire venue list to get a better idea of where the massive event will be held.
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai: The stadium that hosted the renowned finals of the 2011 world cup, is set to host an India vs Sri Lanka game again this year, along with four others, including a semi final.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: The largest stadium in the world, seating 132,000, is the venue for the opening ceremony and will host the legendary rivalry between India and Pakistan.
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has a capacity of 40,000 people, and is set to host many big games including India vs the Netherlands, New Zealand vs Pakistan and more.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai: Known as the Chepauk stadium, the MA Chidambaram Stadium has been host to many historic games. It prepares to host India vs Australia in this world cup.
MCA Stadium, Pune: The MCA Stadium in Pune is one of the newer stadiums on this list and is characterised by its one sole large stand - surrounded by much smaller stands.
HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala: The HPCA stadium is usually given the title of the most picturesque stadium in the world. Alongside hosting large games such as India vs New Zealand, it is backdropped by the Dhauladhar range of the Himachal Pradesh Himalayas.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata: Being the oldest and previously the largest cricket stadium in India, the Eden Gardens has seen its fair share of the world’s cricket history. It will host South Africa against India and many other teams as well.
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi: While the stadium is known for its odd shape, it is one of the oldest stadiums in India and is in the heart of the national capital. The Arun Jaitley Stadium will host India vs Afghanistan, among other games.
Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow: The BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium is one of the newest in India, seating a total of 50,000 spectators. It is also home to the Lucknow SuperGiants. It will host India vs England and many other games.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad: The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, while being quite massive, will only host three world cup games, two of which are played by Pakistan. India will not play a game here.
Aside from the venues, let’s take a look at where India stands. India is currently first in all formats of the game, and after consecutive high-scoring wins against Sri Lanka and Australia, the team should come into the competition with confidence. It is fair to assume that India will be the favourites for this tournament. Other than India, New Zealand and England also come into this world cup with some good spirit. Being the finalists of the last world cup, these two will definitely aim to make their mark this time.
Players like Rohit Sharma, who set the record for the highest number of centuries in a single world cup, will aim to carry the form from four years ago forward to this competition.
Stay tuned to the Ascent for more weekly updates on India’s performances in the Cricket World cup!
-Madhav Somaiya