Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens, India’s first cricket stadium also known as the home of Indian Cricket and Cricket’s Answer to the Colosseum, was established in 1864 in Kolkata. It is India’s oldest international cricket stadium, the second largest in India, and the third largest globally. Eden Gardens is famous for its history, architectural beauty, events, capacity, etc.
The stadium is owned and managed by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), a governing cricket body in West Bengal, India. Eden Gardens became the regular international cricket stadium in India, used for both International and IPL matches. It is also known as the home ground of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Bengal Cricket Team.
Eden Gardens played a significant role in India’s Cricket History. The first-ever Test match was played at Eden Garden Stadium in 1934 and has also been used in many International Cricket World Cups.
History
There was nothing before in the place except some scattered houses where the stadium was established and stands till now, the place was a jungle where travelers and soilers came to enjoy that place’s weather. In the government of Lord Auckland (Governor-General of India from 1836 to 1842), the place was formally established as a public park and was initially named “Auckland Circus Garden” by himself in 1840 and then later renamed to “Eden Gardens” in 1841 by his sisters (Emily and Fanny Eden).
The British government in India gave a part (portion) of the Eden Garden Park to the Calcutta Cricket Club (CC&FC) for playing cricket which after it officially became a cricket stadium in Calcutta, India in 1864. Since then the stadium has become a regular cricket venue in India for international matches between different countries. The stadium was first time hosted for the Test Match between India and England in 1934, for the first time an ODI match between India and Pakistan in 1987, and for the first time a T20 International match between England and India in 2011.
Development and Renovation
For the 1987 World Cup, the Eden Garden cricket ground was made bigger than ever and increased the Eden Garden capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to accommodate more spectators. They added 42 hard and strong columns to support the big roofs and multi-tiered covered stands to cover seats from rain or sun. After the change and upgrade of the Stadium, it was recorded more than 100,000 spectators a day on the 6th occasions.
To get ready for the 2011 World Cup, Eden Gardens was fixed and made to follow the rules and requirements set by the ICC (International Cricket Council). The Cricket Association of Bengal hired two architecture companies (one from the United States of America named Burt Hill and the second from India, Ahmedabad-based VMS Architecture) to handle the stadium’s project for two years. The plan was to build a new Eden Gardens clubhouse, increase facilities for players, make the exterior look of Eden Garden cricket stadium better, replace the old roof with a new one, and make more facilities for people watching the games.
But because of more upgrades, the Kolkata cricket stadium’s capacity became less than ever (about 68,000 from 94,000). Because of incomplete renovation and unsafe conditions, the ICC moved the match between England and India from Eden Gardens to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Location and Accessibility
The information spectators must be looking for about the Eden Gardens cricket stadium is given below.
Location
The stadium is located near “Maidan, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, and its” correct address is “Gostho Paul Sarani, Maidan, B.B.D. Bagh Kolkata, West Bengal India“.
Capacity
Before, the Kolkata stadium capacity of around 100,000 was increased when the stadium was developed for the 1987 World Cup, but with Eden Gardens renovation for the 2011 World Cup, the Eden Garden stadium capacity became less which is currently around 68,000.
Google Map
Parking
While there may be the stadium’s own car parking that would be limited if you want to find car parking near Eden Gardens stadium, simply open Google Maps and search for “car parking at Eden Gardens” After that there would be so many car parking places you would see where you can park your car. Be careful, especially on match day.
1987 Cricket World Cup
The stadium was hosted in the 1987 World Cup only for two matches (the second match was the World Cup final between Australia and England).
No
Teams
Date
Won
1
New Zealand and Zimbabwe
October 23, 1987 Friday
New Zealand won by 4 wickets with 14 balls remaining
2
Australia and England
November 08, 1987 Sunday
Australia won by 7 runs
1996 Cricket World Cup
The stadium Eden Gardens was hosted only for one match (semi-final) in the 1996 cricket World Cup.
No
Teams
Date
Won
1
India and Sri Lanka
March 13, 1996 Wednesday
Sri Lanka won by default
2011 Cricket World Cup
In the 2011 World Cup, there were three matches held at the stadium among different countries.
No
Teams
Date
Won
1
South Africa and Ireland
March 15, 2011 Tuesday
South Africa won by 131 runs
2
Ireland and Netherland
March 18, 2011 Friday
Ireland won by 6 wickets
3
Zimbabwe and Kenya
March 20, 2011 Sunday
Zimbabwe won by 161 runs
2023 Cricket World Cup
In the 2023 Cricket World Cup, there were 5th World Cup matches hosted at this stadium (the last match was the semi-final).
No
Teams
Date
Won
1
Netherlands and Banglashed
October 28, 2023 Saturday
Netherlands won by 87 runs
2
Pakistan and Bangladesh
October 31, 2023 Tuesday
Pakistan won by 7 wickets
3
India and South Africa
November 05, 2023 Sunday
India won by 243 runs
4
England and Pakistan
November 11, 2023 Saturday
England won by 93 runs
5
South Africa and Australia
November 16, 2023 Thursday
Australia won by 3 wickets