M Chinnaswamy Stadium
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, located in the heart of Bengaluru, Karnataka, is one of India’s premier cricket venues. Established in 1969, it is owned by the Government of Karnataka and operated by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The stadium is named after Mangalam Chinnaswamy, a former BCCI president and a key figure in Karnataka cricket.
M Chinnaswamy Stadium Key Facts
- Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Established: 1969
- Seating Capacity: Approximately 40,000
- Home Teams: Karnataka state team and Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL)
- First Test Match: 1974–75, India vs. West Indies
- Floodlights Installed: 1996, for the Wills World Cup
Key Features
- Capacity: Approximately 40,000 spectators.
- Location: Mahatma Gandhi Road, near Cubbon Road, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India – 560001.
- Tenants: Home to the Karnataka state cricket team, Karnataka women’s cricket team, and the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.
- International Matches: Regularly hosts Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) matches
Innovations:
- First cricket stadium globally to install solar panels, generating a significant portion of its electricity needs.
- Equipped with advanced aeration and drainage systems to minimize match disruptions due to rain.
Notable Records and Events
- High-Scoring Venue: Known for its small boundaries, the stadium often witnesses high-scoring matches. For instance, during the 2023 IPL season, teams scored over 210 runs on four occasions and over 170 runs on three occasions in eight innings played here.
- Memorable Matches:
- Hosted Afghanistan’s inaugural Test match against India in June 2018.
- Venue for the only T20I match featuring a double super over, played between India and Afghanistan on 17 January 2024, where Rohit Sharma scored his 5th T20I century.
- Historic Events: The Miss World 1996 beauty pageant was held here, marking the first time the event was organized in India.
Pitch and Ground Characteristics
The stadium is known for its batting-friendly pitch, often leading to high-scoring matches. However, the surface also offers assistance to seamers early on and to spinners as the game progresses . The relatively small boundary dimensions, approximately 54×60 meters, contribute to the high run rates
Infrastructure and Facilities
Owned by the Government of Karnataka and operated by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the stadium features state-of-the-art facilities, including the National Cricket Academy. The KSCA has plans to upgrade the stadium, aiming to increase its seating capacity to 70,000 to accommodate more fans
M Chinnaswamy Stadium remains a central hub for cricket in India, blending rich history with modern amenities, and continues to be a favorite among players and fans alike.
