Stadiums In India

Gujarat Sardar Patel Stadium

Location	Ahmadabad, Gujarat
Established	1982
Capacity	54,000[5]
Floodlights	Yes
End names	Adani Pavilion End and GMDC End
Home team	Gujarat Cricket Team
Curator	Dhiraj Prasanna
Owner	Gujarat Cricket Association
Operator	Gujarat Cricket Association
Tenants	Rajasthan Royals (2010) and Indian Cricket Team (1983-present)
First Test	India V West Indies; 12 Nov -16 Nov
Last Test	India V England; 15 Nov – 19 Nov 2012
First ODI	India V Australia; 5 Oct 1984
Last ODI	India V West Indies; 5 Dec 2011
Domestic team	Gujarat Cricket Team (1983-present)

Introduction

One of the premier stadiums in India, Sardar Patel Stadium is located in Motera region of Ahmadabad. Established in 1982, this cricket venue is more popularly called Motera Stadium. Owned by Gujarat Cricket Association, this stadium falls under the sponsorship of Western zone. With seating capacity for 54,000 spectators, this stadium is largest in whole state. Due to its floodlights for day and night matches, this stadium is a well known venue for ODIs and test cricket matches.

Earlier known as Gujarat Stadium, this stadium was later renamed to Sardar Patel Stadium, giving tribute to India’s first Home Minister. Besides cricket, the ground of this stadium has hosted number of other programs. Once favoring bowlers, the pitch of this stadium now hosts many competitive games.

History

Before this stadium came into establishment, cricket matches were played at Ahmadabad Municipal Corporation’s Stadium that had the same name. Built in 1982, this stadium is built on 50 acre land that was donated by Gujarat government. Construction carried for span of nine months, this stadium has hosted number of ODIs, and Test Cricket matches. With a flourishing record of matches, innings and wins, this stadium is simply best due its state of the art technology.

Sunil Gavaskar is the first ever Indian cricketer that has scored 10,000 runs in a test match. He accomplished this score in a match against Pakistan in 1987. After seven years, Kapil Dev claimed his remarkable 432nd wicket in a test match and thereby became a highest wicket taker in world. He broke the record set by Sir Richard Hadlee. Before this, Kapil Dev also made a 9-wicket pull in his career at Sardar Patel Stadium. In the year 1996, this ground hosted a very low scoring test match in which India played against South Africa. During this match, Javagal Srinath grabbed six wickets but South Africa took the revenge by allowing India to score only 76 runs in first session in the year 2008.
Sachin Tendulkar is the only cricketer to have scored 18000 runs in ODI in a match against Australia. This match was a part of World Cup Series 2011. One of the cricket venues of ICC Champions Trophy 2006, nearly 15 games were played at this stadium. This stadium has also hosted one game in each of 2 Cricket World Cups which India hosted. The stadium is undeniably an adopted home cricket venue for IPL team Rajasthan Royals. Out of 7, this stadium has hosted 4 games during the IPL season 2010., where of these 4 games, 3 games were won by Rajasthan Royals.

How to Reach

As this stadium is located on the banks of River Sabarmati, it is in close proximity to the Ahmadabad Railway station. The most common mode to reach this stadium is train. Besides, this stadium is not that far from the Sardar Vallabbhai International Airport. Further you can reach the stadium through car and bus service also.

Ground

The current stands at this stadium are mentioned below:

• GMDC lower and upper stands for public seating
• East lower and upper pavilion for public seating
• Adnani lower pavilion for corporate people, players’ dressing room, and public reserved seating
• West Pavilion for public seating
• Advani upper pavilion for public seating
• Club pavilion for members seating

Stands covered with roofs have two tiers while the west and club pavilion are bare. The press box is Wi-Fi enabled, air conditioned and well-equipped with conference facilities.

Noted Events at Sardar Patel Stadium

Some milestones at this stadium include:

• Sunil Gavaskar accomplished his 10,000 runs in a test match against Pakistan in 1986-87.
• Kapil Dev took nine wickets in a match, scalped 432nd wicket in a test series and therefore became Test Match’s highest wicket taker.
• Sachin Tendulkar made his 1st test match double 100 against New Zealand.
• Completing 20 years of International Cricket in 2009, Sachin Tendulkar accomplished a landmark of thirty thousand runs which by far no cricketer has reached.
• Sachin Tendulkar became the only cricketer to make 18,000 runs in ODI in Cricket World Cup.
• AB de Villers accomplished 1st double 100 in 2008 in match against India.

Renovation

Ahmadabad Municipal Corporation’ standing committee recently sanctioned a tender of nearly Rs.2.14 crore so that repair work can be done on pavilion and on other vital structures at the Sardar Patel Stadium. The other areas that are expected to be covered in renovation project include 410 toilets and distribution of proper pipe supply. Earlier this ground was renovated in the year 2006 with 3 new pitches while a completely new outfield was laid.

The AMC also aims to introduce new software systems which will help in managing inventories.

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