Cricket has been for many centuries and has become quite a popular sport in countries like Australia, England, India, South Africa, and others. Due to the increasing popularity of cricket, these countries have established several stadiums to host matches and enjoy the spirit of cricket. Despite the vast number of cricket stadiums in the world, some of them are really vital and iconic. It is because some of them are famous for carrying on the legacy, for hosting the most vital cricket tournaments, for witnessing some significant incidents, or for a player achieving record-breaking moments at that stadium. These instances make some cricket stadiums iconic and memorable. For example, let’s look at some of the oldest cricket stadiums in the world.
1. Lord’s Cricket Ground
The Lord’s Cricket Ground is widely known as the “Home of Cricket.” It was established in 1787 and is the oldest stadium in the world. The ground has been named after Thomas Lord, the founder. Due to the history and legacy of the stadium, it is every player’s dream to play here. The first match played at this ground was between Australia and England. Lastly, Marylebone Cricket Club owns this stadium.
2. Trent Bridge Stadium
The second-oldest cricket stadium in the world is Trent Bridge, located in Nottinghamshire, England. It was established in 1830. Besides, it is one of the most famous cricket venues in England. Currently, it has a seating capacity of 17,500 people. This ground has hosted several ODI, Test, and Country Cricket matches. In addition to this, the stadium serves as the home ground of the Nottinghamshire Country Cricket Club.
3. The Oval
The Oval, located in Kennington, England, is the third-oldest cricket stadium in the world. It was founded in 1845 and now serves as the home ground for Surrey Country Cricket Club. As per the tradition of English cricket, every year, the English season’s last test match is held at the Oval. Interestingly, The Oval has also hosted tournaments of football and rugby.
4. Sydney Cricket Ground
The next oldest cricket stadium on the list is the Sydney Cricket Ground or SCG. It is located in Australia and was built in 1848. It has a seating capacity of 44,000 people. It is a favorite ground for the batters since the SCG has a high-scoring pitch. The first test match was played here in 1882 between the English and the Aussies. It also serves as a home ground for the New South Wales Blue Cricket Team.
5. Melbourne Cricket Ground
The fifth-oldest cricket stadium in the world is the Melbourne Cricket Ground, popularly referred to as the MCG. It was established in 1854 and is situated in Melbourne, Australia. For several decades, the MCG retained the position of the biggest stadium in the world until the Narendra Modi Stadium got established in India. Moreover, the ground hosted several events of the 1956 Summer Olympics. Recently, it hosted the Women’s T20 World Cup final. The final match took place between the Aussies and India.
6. Old Trafford
The next stadium on the list is the Old Trafford, which was found in 1857. It is the sixth-oldest cricket ground in the world and lies in the metropolitan city of Manchester, England. In addition to this, Old Trafford is a favorable venue for the bowlers, as they are quickly able to take wickets. For instance, Shane Warne, the legendary bowler from Australia, delivered the ball of the century at Old Trafford. Lastly, the ground can fit 20,000 people.
7. The Eden Gardens
The seventh-oldest stadium in the world is the Eden Gardens. It lies in Kolkata, popularly known as the city of joy. It was founded in 1864 and is considered the first cricket ground in India. Considering the massive size of the ground, it can accommodate 68,000 people. It serves as the home ground to the Kolkata Knight Riders during the IPL. The first test match over here was played in 1934.
8. The Basin Reserve
The next stadium on the list is the Basin Reserve, which was found in 1868. Wellington Firebirds has utilized this stadium as their home ground for domestic matches. Apart from this, the stadium holds crucial status for the Kiwis as it is the oldest cricket ground in their country. Furthermore, various events like cricket matches, concerts, social events, and other sports matches have been held here. It can accommodate only 11,600 people.
9. Adelaide Oval
The next cricket ground, which is a part of this list, is the Adelaide Oval, located in Australia. The stadium was established in 1871 and is deemed the most beautiful ground for conducting test matches. Though it is mainly popular for hosting test matches, the ground has also hosted several football, tennis, and rugby matches. After the SCG and MCG, the Adelaide Oval is the third-oldest cricket stadium in Australia.
10. Galle International Stadium
The last stadium on the list is the Galle International Stadium that was found in 1876. It lies in a little island called Sri Lanka. It might interest you that the ground was initially used as a race course: however, it soon began to be used for hosting cricket matches. Due to the stadium’s natural landscape, it is deemed one of the most beautiful stadiums. Further, it can accommodate up to 35,000 people.
