The Ekana Cricket Stadium, officially known as the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium, is a state-of-the-art international cricket venue located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Since its inauguration in 2017, this stadium has become a symbol of modern sports infrastructure and a hub for cricket enthusiasts.
Key Features and Design
- Capacity and Structure: The stadium boasts a seating capacity of 50,100, making it one of the largest cricket venues in India. Its bowl-shaped design ensures excellent views for spectators from every corner.
- Location: Situated in Gomti Nagar Extension, the stadium offers a picturesque backdrop of the Gomti River, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
- Facilities: Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including advanced LED floodlights, the venue supports uninterrupted play during evening matches.
Construction and Development
The Ekana Cricket Stadium was built under a public-private partnership between Ekana Sportz City and the Lucknow Development Authority. The project involved a budget of ₹360 crores and included land leases for both the stadium and additional real estate development. Designed by Skyline Architectural Consultants, the venue reflects modern architectural excellence.
Historical Significance
Lucknow had been absent from the international cricket scene for over two decades after hosting its last match at K.D. Singh Babu Stadium in 1994. The inauguration of Ekana Cricket Stadium marked the city’s return to global cricketing events. The first international match held here was a T20I between India and West Indies on November 6, 2018, where India secured victory by 71 runs.
Notable Matches
- First T20I: India vs West Indies (2018) — Rohit Sharma set a record by scoring his fourth century in T20Is.
- First ODI: Afghanistan vs West Indies (2019).
- Only Test Match: Afghanistan vs West Indies (2019).
- Women’s Matches: Hosted India’s women’s team against South Africa in ODIs and T20Is in 2021.
Home Ground Status
The stadium serves as the home ground for several teams:
- Uttar Pradesh men’s and women’s cricket teams.
- IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants.
- Afghanistan’s national cricket team used it as their home venue from 2019 onwards.
Role in Major Events
Ekana Cricket Stadium played a significant role during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup by hosting five matches. This further solidified its position as an international cricketing destination.
Impact on Lucknow
The establishment of Ekana Cricket Stadium has revitalized Lucknow’s sporting culture. It has not only brought international cricket back to the city but also boosted local tourism and infrastructure development. The stadium stands as an iconic landmark symbolizing Lucknow’s emergence as a modern sporting hub.
In conclusion, Ekana Cricket Stadium is more than just a venue; it is a testament to Lucknow’s transformation into a prominent destination for global sports events. Whether you’re a cricket fan or an admirer of architectural marvels, this stadium is worth exploring.
