Smallest Stadium in India – Top 10 List

by Jack — March 14, 2025 in Cricket

Cricket isn’t just a sport in India – it’s a passion that brings millions together.

While we often hear about massive venues like Eden Gardens or Wankhede Stadium, there’s something special about India’s smaller cricket grounds.

These smallest stadiums in India might not make headlines as often, but they hold their own unique charm and stories.

From historic venues nestled in busy city centers to newer grounds with breathtaking mountain backdrops, these smaller stadiums offer fans a more intimate cricket-watching experience.

They bring international cricket to different regions of India, helping spread the love of the game to every corner of the country.

What makes these smaller grounds special? For one, they put you closer to the action. You can hear the crack of bat on ball and sometimes even player conversations that would be lost in larger venues.

Many of these grounds also have rich histories, having hosted memorable matches where cricket legends made their mark.

Smallest Stadium in India

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey across India to explore these cricket gems. We’ll look at their locations, sizes, what makes them unique, and the notable matches they’ve hosted.

Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or just curious about different sporting venues across India, you’ll discover something fascinating about these cozier cricket grounds.

So let’s begin our tour of India’s smallest cricket stadiums – the venues that prove you don’t need massive capacity to deliver unforgettable cricket moments.

From Mumbai to Guwahati, from historic grounds to modern facilities, these stadiums are keeping cricket’s flame burning bright across the nation.

List of 10 Smallest Cricket Stadiums in India

Before diving into detailed descriptions, here’s a quick overview of the 10 smallest cricket stadiums in India, arranged by their ground length:

Stadium Name	City	Ground Length	Seating Capacity
Nehru Stadium	Kochi	140 meters	40,000
Green Park Stadium	Kanpur	150 meters	18,000
Lalbhai Contractor Stadium	Surat	150 meters	7,000
Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium	Visakhapatnam	155 meters	27,500
Moti Bagh Stadium	Vadodara	160 meters	18,000
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium	Dehradun	160 meters	25,000
Barsapara Cricket Stadium	Guwahati	160 meters	40,000
Holkar Cricket Stadium	Indore	165 meters	26,000
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium	Dharamshala	175 meters	23,000
Brabourne Stadium	Mumbai	180 meters	20,000

Now, let’s explore each of these stadiums in detail to understand what makes them special despite their smaller size.

Top 10 Smallest Cricket Stadiums in India in 2025

Nehru Stadium, Kochi

City: Kochi, Kerala
Ground Length: 140 meters
Seating Capacity: 40,000
Location: Room No B 2108, First Floor, JLN Stadium Building, JLN Stadium, Ernakulam, Kerala 682017

The Nehru Stadium in Kochi holds the distinction of having the shortest ground length among all cricket stadiums in India at just 140 meters. Despite its small ground size, it surprisingly has one of the larger seating capacities on our list.

History and Features:

Multi-sport venue: This stadium isn’t exclusively for cricket – it’s primarily known as a football stadium and serves as the home ground for Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League.
Coastal influence: Being located in coastal Kochi, the weather conditions often affect play, with humidity playing a significant role.
Versatile space: The stadium hosts not just sporting events but also cultural programs and public gatherings.

Notable Matches:

It has hosted several One Day Internationals, including matches between India and Australia.
The stadium served as a venue for Indian Premier League matches when the Kerala team was active.

Fun Fact: Due to its multi-purpose nature, the Nehru Stadium undergoes interesting transformations between cricket and football seasons, with groundskeepers working tirelessly to adjust the playing surface for different sports.

Green Park Stadium, Kanpur

City: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Ground Length: 150 meters
Seating Capacity: 18,000
Location: 15/66, Green Park Stadium, Civil Lines, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001

Green Park Stadium stands as one of India’s most historic cricket venues despite its small size. With a ground length of just 150 meters, it’s among the smallest yet most significant Test cricket venues in the country.

History and Features:

Rich heritage: Established in 1945, the stadium has been witness to some of India’s most memorable cricket moments.
Historical significance: India achieved its first-ever Test victory against Australia here in 1959.
Unusual name origin: Contrary to what many think, the stadium isn’t named for its greenery but after a British woman known as Madam Green who once owned the land.

Notable Matches:

Hosted numerous Test matches, including India’s 500th Test against New Zealand in 2016.
Witnessed Kapil Dev’s historic 431st Test wicket, breaking Richard Hadlee’s record.

Fun Fact: The clock tower at Green Park has become an iconic landmark of Kanpur and is affectionately called the “stadium’s timekeeper” by locals.

Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, Surat

City: Surat, Gujarat
Ground Length: 150 meters
Seating Capacity: 7,000
Location: Maharana Pratap Road, Piplod, Surat, Gujarat 395007

The Lalbhai Contractor Stadium holds the distinction of being the smallest in seating capacity among all major cricket stadiums in India, accommodating just 7,000 spectators. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character.

History and Features:

Named after a cricket hero: The stadium honors Nari Contractor, a former Indian cricket captain from Surat who showed remarkable courage throughout his career.
Intimate atmosphere: The small capacity creates an intense, close-knit viewing experience for fans.
Development hub: Despite its size, the stadium plays a crucial role in nurturing young cricket talent from Gujarat.

Notable Matches:

Hosts numerous domestic cricket matches, including Ranji Trophy games.
Has been a venue for women’s cricket tournaments, helping promote the women’s game.

Fun Fact: The stadium underwent a significant renovation in 2010, which maintained its cozy size but greatly improved facilities for both players and spectators.

Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam

City: Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh
Ground Length: 155 meters
Seating Capacity: 27,500
Location: NH16, Pothinamallayya Palem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530041

This stadium, commonly known as the ACA-VDCA Stadium, has one of the smaller playing areas in India at just 155 meters, yet has earned a reputation for being a batsman-friendly venue.

History and Features:

Coastal beauty: Located near the Bay of Bengal, the stadium offers pleasant sea breezes during matches.
Modern facilities: Despite its smaller ground size, the stadium boasts state-of-the-art amenities.
Named in honor: The stadium was renamed after Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

Notable Matches:

Witnessed Virat Kohli score his second Test double century, against England in 2016.
Hosted the first-ever Day-Night Test match in India against Bangladesh in 2019.

Fun Fact: The pitch here has a reputation for being one of the most batting-friendly in India, often resulting in high-scoring matches that thrill spectators.

Moti Bagh Stadium, Vadodara

City: Vadodara, Gujarat
Ground Length: 160 meters
Seating Capacity: 18,000
Location: Moti Baug Kothar, near Vadodara, Moti Baug, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001

Moti Bagh Stadium represents a beautiful blend of cricket and royalty. With a ground length of 160 meters, it’s one of India’s more compact international cricket venues.

History and Features:

Royal origins: The stadium is part of the Laxmi Vilas Palace grounds, once the royal residence of the Gaekwad dynasty that ruled Vadodara.
Historic venue: Dating back to the 1930s, making it one of India’s older cricket grounds.
Training ground: Has produced many international cricketers from the Baroda region.

Notable Matches:

Witnessed Sachin Tendulkar score his first double century in ODI cricket against South Africa in 2010.
Hosted many historic Ranji Trophy matches featuring the Baroda cricket team.

Fun Fact: The stadium’s grandstand has a distinctive architecture influenced by the royal palace nearby, giving spectators a feel of watching cricket in a regal setting.

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun

City: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Ground Length: 160 meters
Seating Capacity: 25,000
Location: Khairi Khadar, Ranjhawala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248008

This stadium in Dehradun is one of the newest additions to India’s international cricket venues, bringing high-level cricket to the beautiful state of Uttarakhand.

History and Features:

Mountain setting: The stadium offers spectacular views of the nearby Himalayan foothills.
Recent development: Built to international standards in recent years to promote cricket in the region.
Afghanistan connection: Served as the home ground for the Afghanistan cricket team for a period.

Notable Matches:

Hosted its first international match when Afghanistan played Bangladesh in a T20I in 2018.
Venue for several exciting Afghanistan vs. Ireland encounters.

Fun Fact: The stadium helped put Dehradun on the international cricket map, bringing tourists and cricket enthusiasts to this picturesque city at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

City: Guwahati, Assam
Ground Length: 160 meters
Seating Capacity: 40,000
Location: Barsapara, Guwahati, Assam 781018

Barsapara Cricket Stadium is the newest venue on our list and represents cricket’s growing reach in Northeast India. Despite its compact 160-meter ground length, it can accommodate a large crowd.

History and Features:

Modern marvel: Built with cutting-edge facilities for players and spectators alike.
Northeast pride: The first international-standard cricket stadium in this region of India.
Great visibility: Designed to ensure good views from all seats despite the compact ground.

Notable Matches:

Hosted its first international match in 2017 when India played Australia in a T20I.
Witnessed some high-scoring T20 encounters due to its batting-friendly pitch.

Fun Fact: During construction, special attention was paid to the drainage system, making it one of the quickest-drying outfields in India – an important feature given Guwahati’s high rainfall.

Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore

City: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Ground Length: 165 meters
Seating Capacity: 26,000
Location: Race Course Road, Near Janjeerwala Square, New Palasia, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452001

The Holkar Cricket Stadium, though compact with a 165-meter ground length, has earned a reputation as one of the most batting-friendly pitches in India.

History and Features:

Named after royalty: The stadium honors the Holkar dynasty that once ruled over the Indore region.
Modern facilities: Built in 2003, it offers contemporary amenities despite its smaller size.
Fan-friendly design: The stadium architecture ensures excellent views from all seating areas.

Notable Matches:

Witnessed the highest team total in Ranji Trophy history when Mumbai scored 725/9 against Madhya Pradesh.
Hosted several high-scoring ODIs, including a match where India scored 418 against West Indies in 2011.

Fun Fact: The pitch at Holkar Stadium has gained such a reputation for high scores that bowlers often joke about “needing a miracle” to succeed here.

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala

City: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Ground Length: 175 meters
Seating Capacity: 23,000
Location: Cricket Stadium, HPCA, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215

The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is widely regarded as the most scenic cricket ground in India, possibly the world. Despite its relatively small 175-meter ground length, it offers an unmatched cricket-watching experience.

History and Features:

Breathtaking backdrop: The stadium sits against the dramatic Dhauladhar mountain range in the Himalayas.
High altitude: At 1,457 meters above sea level, it’s one of the highest cricket stadiums globally.
Weather factor: The cool mountain air affects ball movement differently than in other Indian venues.

Notable Matches:

Hosted its first Test match when India played Australia in March 2017.
Regular venue for IPL matches featuring Kings XI Punjab.

Fun Fact: The stadium has become a tourist attraction in its own right, with many visitors coming just to see the ground even when no matches are being played, purely for its spectacular setting.

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

City: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Ground Length: 180 meters
Seating Capacity: 20,000
Location: Stadium House, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020

Brabourne Stadium holds a special place in Indian cricket history as one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country. With a ground length of 180 meters, it’s the largest among our “smallest stadiums” list.

History and Features:

Historic significance: Established in 1937, it was Mumbai’s premier cricket venue before Wankhede Stadium was built.
CCI home: It houses the prestigious Cricket Club of India, one of the oldest cricket clubs in the country.
Colonial architecture: The pavilion retains beautiful old-world charm from the pre-independence era.

Notable Matches:

Hosted India’s first Test victory on home soil against England in 1952.
Witnessed cricket legend Vinoo Mankad’s historic all-round performance against England.

Fun Fact: The stadium has an interesting cricket rule – any batsman who hits a six into the members’ area of the Cricket Club of India pavilion must personally apologize to the members!

Why Smaller Stadiums Matter in Indian Cricket?

While larger venues like Eden Gardens or Narendra Modi Stadium get most of the attention, these smaller cricket grounds play a vital role in India’s cricket ecosystem:

Grassroots development: Smaller stadiums provide more opportunities for local cricketers to play in quality facilities.
Cricket accessibility: They bring international matches to different regions of India, allowing more fans to experience live cricket.
Unique playing conditions: Each small ground has its own characteristics, helping players adapt to different conditions.
Intimate fan experience: Smaller venues create a more personal connection between fans and the game.
Preservation of history: Many of these smaller grounds have historical significance worth preserving.

The Impact of Technology on Smaller Cricket Stadiums

Modern technology has transformed even the smallest cricket venues in India:

Improved broadcast capabilities: Even small stadiums now have world-class camera setups and broadcast facilities.
Better floodlights: Modern lighting systems allow day-night matches at most venues.
Advanced pitch preparation: Technology helps groundskeepers maintain international-standard pitches even at smaller venues.
Digital screens and scoreboards: Enhancing the spectator experience with instant replays and detailed statistics.

FAQs About the Smallest Cricket Stadiums in India

Which is the smallest cricket stadium in India by ground size?

Nehru Stadium in Kochi has the smallest ground length at just 140 meters, though it has a relatively large seating capacity of 40,000.

Which Indian stadium has the smallest seating capacity?

Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat has the smallest seating capacity among major cricket venues in India, accommodating only 7,000 spectators.

Are matches at smaller stadiums broadcast internationally?

Yes, all international matches and IPL games played at these smaller venues are broadcast worldwide with the same quality and technology as matches at larger stadiums.

Which small stadium has hosted the most international matches?

Green Park Stadium in Kanpur has hosted the most international matches among the smaller venues, primarily due to its long history as a Test match venue.

Do smaller stadiums have disadvantages for international cricket?

While smaller boundaries might lead to higher scores in limited-overs cricket, each stadium has its unique characteristics that challenge players differently. The main disadvantage might be limited ticket availability for high-demand matches.

Are new small stadiums being built in India?

Yes, India continues to develop new cricket stadiums of various sizes across the country to meet growing demand. Recent additions include the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati and the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Dehradun.

Which small stadium is considered the most beautiful?

The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is widely regarded as not just the most beautiful small stadium in India, but one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world, thanks to its Himalayan backdrop.

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Conclusion:

India’s smaller cricket stadiums might not always grab headlines like their larger counterparts, but they represent the heart and soul of Indian cricket.

From historic venues like Brabourne Stadium that have witnessed the evolution of Indian cricket over decades to newer grounds like Barsapara Stadium that are taking the sport to new regions, these compact venues each tell a unique story.

What makes these smaller grounds special isn’t just their size – it’s their character, history, and the role they play in India’s cricketing landscape.

They provide more intimate settings where fans can feel closer to the action. Many have produced memorable cricket moments that live on in the sport’s rich history.

These stadiums also serve as important development hubs, nurturing local talent and providing platforms for domestic cricket to flourish.

Without these smaller venues, many regions would miss out on experiencing high-level cricket firsthand.

From the royal connections of Moti Bagh Stadium to the breathtaking mountain views at Dharamshala, each venue brings something unique to India’s cricket story.

They remind us that cricket in India isn’t just about massive crowds and commercial spectacles – it’s also about tradition, regional pride, and the pure joy of the game.

As Indian cricket continues to evolve and grow, these smaller stadiums will remain vital pieces of the country’s sporting infrastructure.

They prove that when it comes to creating cricket magic, size isn’t everything – it’s the memories made, the talent developed, and the passion shared that truly matter.

So the next time you hear about a match being played at one of these cozier grounds, remember – some of cricket’s biggest moments happen in its smallest venues.

Smallest Stadium in India – Top 10 List

Smallest Stadium in India

List of 10 Smallest Cricket Stadiums in India