Considered as the world’s largest cricket stadium, the Narendra Modi Stadium has some interesting history and facts that fans would want to know
The Narendra Modi Stadium is a cricket ground in Motera, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is widely described as the world's largest cricket stadium, with a stated capacity of about 132,000. Though some sources still give the earlier figure of roughly 110,000. It sits near the Sabarmati River within the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. The stadium is owned and run by the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA).
History and redevelopment
The ground began as Gujarat Stadium in the early 1980s. It was later renamed in tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister. Before its overhaul, it held about 49,000 seats. In October 2015, the state government decided to redevelop the venue to make it the biggest cricket stadium in terms of seating capacity. Construction ran from 2016 to 2020 and cost roughly Rs 937 crore. The new stadium first opened to the public in February 2020 during the "Namaste Trump" event with US President Donald Trump.
Change of name
On 24 February 2021, the GCA named the stadium after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is interesting to note that Modi had served as GCA president from 2009 to 2014. Supporters point to his role in championing the project when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Critics have objected to naming a major public venue after a sitting prime minister. The sports enclave that houses the stadium still carries Sardar Patel's name.
Design and facilities
The stadium is built for large crowds and for sports and events other than cricket as well. It has 50 fireproof tunnels for quick entry and exit. The stadium is designed to host concerts, exhibitions and other sports. The roof uses floating rings supported by radial cable spokes, a design meant to allow movement during seismic activity. Other key features include 76 executive suites and parking for around 13,000 vehicles. A Metro station on the Red Line serves the site, which eases access on match days.
Major events held at Narendra Modi stadium
The venue has hosted Tests, ODIs and T20Is, and it is home to the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. In February 2021, the third India–England Test was played here as a day/night match. The 2022 IPL final drew 101,566 spectators, a record in terms of match attendance. The stadium also hosted the opening ceremony of the 2022 National Games. It also staged the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup final between India and Australia.
Narendra Modi stadium reflects India's growing investment in sports infrastructure and its dominance in world cricket. It is a major draw for Ahmedabad, a city that has also won attention for its heritage and urban development. The stadium’s large size gives it an atmosphere few grounds can match. However, very large venues can raise practical concerns about crowd management, heat and spectator comfort. Irrespective of what one thinks of its name, the Narendra Modi stadium has become one of the most recognizable cricket venues in the world.
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