Narendra Modi Stadium

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is the largest cricket stadium in the world, with a record-breaking seating capacity of 132,000 spectators. Owned by the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), the ground was completely rebuilt between 2015 and 2020 at a cost of over Rs 700 crore, emerging as a modern masterpiece of sports architecture. Originally known as Sardar Patel Stadium, it was officially renamed Narendra Modi Stadium in February 2020 at a high-profile diplomatic event attended by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing global media attention to this landmark venue in Ahmedabad. Home to IPL franchise Gujarat Titans, the stadium offers world-class infrastructure including four dressing rooms, 76 corporate boxes, four international-grade practice pitches, and a fully covered grandstand under LED floodlights. The ground hosted multiple ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 fixtures, including the blockbuster India vs Pakistan group-stage clash watched by over 100,000 fans live and hundreds of millions globally on television - the most-watched group game in World Cup history. The stadium's red soil pitches provide excellent pace and bounce, creating competitive conditions across all three formats. Beyond cricket, the venue has hosted diplomatic summits, motorsport events, and cultural spectacles, cementing Ahmedabad's status as a world-class sporting destination. For cricket fans, visiting Narendra Modi Stadium is a bucket-list experience - walking through the gates of the world's biggest cricket stadium in the heart of Gujarat, soaking in the atmosphere, and witnessing India play on the grandest stage of all.

Narendra Modi Stadium is an international cricket stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. With a total capacity of 132,000, it is the world's largest cricket stadium and the largest overall stadium in the world by capacity. It is owned by the Gujarat Cricket Association, and hosts both domestic and international cricket matches. The stadium has hosted several high-profile matches, such as the 2023 Cricket World Cup final and the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup final. The stadium will also be used for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Situated near the Sabarmati River, the stadium is named after the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi.

It replaced the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, which hosted domestic and international cricket in the city until its demolition in 2015, including the 1987, 1996, and 2011 Cricket World Cups. In 2014, it was decided that a new stadium should be built on the same plot. The new stadium, originally named Motera Stadium, was designed by Populous and built by Larsen and Toubro. It took five years to build, at an estimated cost of ₹800 crore (US$85 million). After completion, the new arena replaced the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the world's largest cricket stadium. The stadium has four dressing rooms, 11 centre pitches, and two practice grounds. The practice grounds can also serve as venues for domestic matches.

On February 24, 2020, the new stadium first opened to the public by hosting the Namaste Trump event, which saw an approximate attendance of 125,000 people.

Ask any local cricket fan and they'll tell you straight up—match days here hit different. Situated right in Ahmedabad, this ground doesn't just host games; it basically shuts the area down. Getting in can be a bit of a trek when the crowds swell, but the Gujarat Cricket Association has honestly done decent work recently to clear up the turnstiles. You grab a quick bite from the stalls outside, scan your ticket, and suddenly you're hit with that massive wave of noise. Nothing beats it.

Winning the toss is huge here. The red soil surface plays weirdly fast sometimes. Fast bowlers hit the deck hard and the ball just takes off. But honestly, if a batter gets their eye in, they can score for fun. It's a true wicket. No horrible demons in it until the very end of a test match when the cracks start opening up. That's when the spinners finally get to have some fun.

There's a specific kind of roar you only hear at this ground. When the home team takes a wicket, the sound bounces off the concrete and hits you in the chest. Packing 132,000 fans into the seats creates an absolute pressure cooker. Ever since 1982 (renovated 2020), it's been the kind of venue that breaks visiting teams purely through crowd intimidation.

One thing you notice right away is how fast the outfield is. Seriously, if you pierce the gap, don't even bother chasing it. The ball just skids away into the ropes. T20 games here turn into absolute run-fests because the boundary riders are constantly under pressure. Fielding captains basically tear their hair out trying to plug the gaps.

If you walk past the practice nets outside, you'll see a hundred kids trying to bowl fast or copy their favorite batter's stance. Having a venue like this right in their backyard? It's pure inspiration. The stadium anchors the community. It gives the city something to brag about when the international cameras start rolling.