Biggest Cricket Stadium in the World: Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, is the largest cricket stadium in the world by seating capacity, holding well over 100,000 spectators.
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, is the largest cricket stadium in the world. Officially capable of seating over 130,000 spectators, it surpasses every other cricket ground on earth by a significant margin. Located in Motera, it was extensively rebuilt and reopened in 2020 under its current name.
Key Facts About the Narendra Modi Stadium
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Motera, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
| Official Capacity | Over 130,000 |
| Opened (current structure) | 2020 |
| Previous Name | Sardar Patel Stadium / Motera Stadium |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Pitches | 11 practice pitches |
| Dressing Rooms | 4 (to accommodate multiple teams) |
History and Renovation
The ground at Motera has hosted international cricket for decades. The original stadium was demolished and a completely new structure was built in its place, opening in February 2020 with a visit by then-US President Donald Trump as part of the “Namaste Trump” event. The renamed stadium was inaugurated in a Test match between India and England in 2021, which drew massive crowds and global media attention.
What Makes It Special?
Beyond its staggering capacity, the Narendra Modi Stadium features:
- World-class drainage — the field can recover quickly after rain, minimising match interruptions
- Multiple dressing rooms — designed to host more than two teams simultaneously
- A cricket academy — an integrated facility for player development within the same complex
- A clubhouse and indoor cricket hall — making it a complete cricket destination, not just a match venue
How Does It Compare to Other Large Stadiums?
The Narendra Modi Stadium is in a category of its own among cricket venues. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia, long regarded as the spiritual home of cricket outside England, has a capacity of around 100,000 for cricket — large, but notably smaller than Ahmedabad’s ground. Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India’s most storied cricket venue, holds in excess of 60,000 but has historically been reduced from an even larger previous capacity.
Atmosphere and Significance
Ahmedabad is not traditionally considered the heartland of Indian cricket — Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai carry more historical weight — but the Narendra Modi Stadium has rapidly become one of the most significant venues on the international calendar. Matches at full capacity create an atmosphere that few venues anywhere in sport can match.
The stadium hosted key matches during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, including the final, underlining its status as India’s — and the world’s — premier cricket ground.
Quick summary: The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the world’s largest cricket ground, with a capacity exceeding 130,000. Rebuilt and reopened in 2020, it has quickly become the flagship venue for Indian cricket and a landmark in world sport.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest cricket stadium in the world?+
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, is the world's largest cricket stadium by seating capacity, officially capable of holding over 130,000 spectators.
Where is the Narendra Modi Stadium located?+
The Narendra Modi Stadium is located in Motera, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
What was the Narendra Modi Stadium previously called?+
It was previously known as the Sardar Patel Stadium (also referred to as Motera Stadium) before being renovated and renamed in 2020.