Eden Gardens, the iconic stadium in Kolkata, is not a small ground by any means. It’s renowned for its electric atmosphere and all-encompassing entertainment quotient, which is on full display during the ongoing second India-Sri Lanka ODI.

The match seemed to be heading towards a one-sided encounter, but India’s top-order batters, including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, fell in the first powerplay, giving Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope. However, with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul at the crease, India still has a good chance of winning, especially given Iyer’s familiarity with the conditions at Eden Gardens, his home ground in the Indian Premier League.

HISTORY:

Eden Gardens, established in 1864, holds the distinction of being India’s oldest and largest cricket stadium. This iconic venue has hosted numerous significant matches, including the country’s first Test match against England in 1934 and its first One Day International against Pakistan in 1987. Its rich history and impressive size have made it a revered institution in Indian cricket.

The stadium’s record attendance is a staggering 110,564, set during the 1996 Cricket World Cup Semi-Final between India and Sri Lanka. This impressive figure underscores Eden Gardens’ status as one of the world’s largest and most iconic cricket stadiums. Prior to its renovation in 2010-11, the stadium boasted a massive seating capacity, solidifying its position as a premier cricket venue.

Eden Gardens’ name is believed to be derived from the Eden sisters, Emily and Fanny, who were associated with Lord Auckland, the Governor-General of India from 1836 to 1842. Despite the reduction in its seating capacity following the 2010-11 renovation, Eden Gardens remains India’s largest cricket stadium in terms of historical significance, continuing to evoke a sense of nostalgia and national pride among cricket enthusiasts.

DIMENSIONS OF EDEN GARDENS:

Square boundaries: 66–68 meters

Straight boundaries: 76–78 meters

Long pitch: 20.11 meters

Capacity: 68,000

Eden Gardens, aptly nicknamed the “Mecca of Indian Cricket”, has played host to numerous iconic moments in cricket history, cementing its status as one of the world’s largest and most revered cricket stadiums.

The stadium’s seating capacity has undergone changes over the years. Prior to its 2010 reconstruction, Eden Gardens held the distinction of being India’s largest stadium, accommodating an impressive 100,000 spectators. Today, it has a seating capacity of 68,000.

ENVIRONMENT :

Eden Gardens is not only a revered cricket stadium but also a serene oasis, boasting lush pathways shaded by majestic mahogany, mango, and banyan trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere for visitors to connect with nature. The grounds also feature a stunning three-storeyed Burmese Pagoda, brought by Lord Dalhousie, adding to the venue’s charm. As a premier sporting destination, Eden Gardens Stadium hosts various sports, with cricket being the main attraction, featuring one-day, test, and T20 matches. It serves as the home ground for the Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL) and the Bengal Cricket Team, while also hosting association matches. Visitors can explore the stadium when no matches are scheduled, provided they obtain permission from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

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