Page Contents
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium commonly known as Hyderabad Cricket Stadium is a stadium located in Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana, and is the primary venue for Cricket in the State.
Named after the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi this stadium is a world-class cricket facility which is an iconic landmark in the city. The stadium has made a place in the hearts of millions of cricket fans worldwide.
The stadium has very well seating arrangements with different categories to favor various cricket fan’s budgets. It has an overall seating capacity of 55,000 with premium corporate boxes and general stands which offers every fan an unobstructed view.
Ground Information
| Established | 2004 |
| Capacity | 55,000 |
| End Names | Pavilion End North End (V.V.S. Laxman end) |
| Floodlight | 6 |
| Owner | Hyderabad Cricket Association |
| Stands | Mohammed Azharuddin pavilion terrace 1 Mohammed Azharuddin pavilion terrace 2 South Pavilion West Ground Floor North Pavilion East Ground Floor Elite Lounge VIP (East) Block-1 VIP (West) Block-2 Chair (East) Block Chair (West) Block Corporate Boxes |
The Layout of the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium
International Information
| First Test | India vs New Zealand 12 November 2010 |
| First ODI | India vs South Africa 16 November 2005 |
| First T20I | India vs Australia 13 October 2017 |
The History of the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium History
Hyderabad Cricket Association used to use the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in the Fateh Maidan Sports Complex as their home ground. The Lal Bahadur Shastri Ground belonged to the Sports Authority of Telangana State and the Hyderabad Cricket Association did not have a free operating hand over this ground.
The ground was also comparatively smaller in size and hence a lot of runs were scored on this ground. This ground was later known as a high-scoring ground and it was not preferred for most of the international matches in India.
In 2003, Hyderabad Cricket Association submitted a proposal for a new stadium to N. Chandrababu Naidu the Chief Minister of Andr Pradesh during that time. The proposal was accepted and a large piece of land spread across 16 acres at Uppal was allocated to the stadium to HCA.
It became the 101st venue for Test Cricket in the whole world.
Stadium Name Controversy | Visaka International Cricket Stadium
An open auction for the stadium’s title was held from which most of the funding for the stadium was planned. Visaka Industries Limited (VIL) an industrial conglomerate that has an interest in various fields such as yarn, solar roofs, cement roofing, and others won the auction for ₹65,00,00,000 (₹6.5 crores).
According to the contract between HCA and VIL, HCA signed a 25-year agreement with the VIL to sponsor the construction of an International Cricket Stadium at Uppal with rights to the stadium name ‘Visaka International Cricket Stadium’ and other advertising rights and privileges.
An advance payment of ₹43,00,00,000 (₹4.3 crores) was made in 2004 and the Stadium was named Visaka International Cricket Stadium.
When most of the stadium’s work was completed in 2005, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh decided to rename the stadium as ‘Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium’ in memory of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
HCA wrote a letter to VIL on the renegotiation to name the stadium Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. Both parties agreed and the renaming of the stadium was done by mutual understanding the contract was changed and according to the new contract the stadium would be named Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium and the playing ground would be named “Visaka Cricket Grounds“, sponsorship amount was reduced to ₹4.3 crores from ₹6.5 crores and other rights and privileges were to remain same according to the VIL.
The Pitch at Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium Hyderabad | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Hyderabad Pitch Report
The pitch at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium is generally flat and considered a batting-friendly pitch. This pitch offers even uniform bounce and helps both the batsmen and the bowlers equally.
Initially, the pitch is batting friendly, and due to the short boundaries, the batsmen can play their shots easily and clear the boundary rope with ease but as the game progresses the pitch becomes slower and the batsmen will have to be careful while selecting their shots.
In the second Innings the spinners and medium pacers will come into play and variation in pace can be a lethal weapon here on this pitch. Batting becomes more challenging as the game progresses especially in the second innings with quality spinners in front.
Due to dry weather, there is no due factor, teams generally prefer batting first and setting a huge target that can be defended.
The pitch at Rajiv Gandhi Intranational Stadium Hyderabad favors the team with batting power.
Also Read
The Facilities of the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium
It is one of the significant cricket venues in India and the surface here is considered as one of the best in India. With its State-of-the-Art Facility, well-maintained pitch constantly offering good bounce, and well-maintained grassy outfields it is one of the best venues to look out for in India.
It is a state-of-the-art facility that has entertainment zones, food courts, merchandise stalls, floodlights, and a top-quality audio system that is used to host various events apart from Cricket.
To keep up with the evolving needs of the sport plans are underway to enhance the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium. HCA also aims to develop a cricket academy and training facility within the stadium premises to nature and promote young talent at a grassroots level.
Also, the stadium’s contribution to the economy and tourism of Hyderabad is significant. It has helped to boost the local hospitality industry and create various employment opportunities and bring revenue to the local business.
How to Get to the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium | Rajiv Gandhi Stadium Location | Accessibility
The address of Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is
Stadium Rd, Habsiguda, Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500007
Bus stations near Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium
| Station | Distance |
|---|---|
| Habsiguda St 8 | 11 min walk |
| Survey Of India | 14 min walk |
| Ramanthapur Church | 15 min walk |
Metro stations near Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium
| Station | Distance |
|---|---|
| Uppal | 52 min walk |
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium Official Website
FAQ
Q) What are the popular names of Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium?
The stadium is also known as Visaka International Stadium Ground
Q) What is the capacity of Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium?
The current capacity of Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is around 55,000 seats
Q) What are the ticket prices for Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium?
Ticket prices depend on the type of match and type of tournament however the tickets at the Hyderabad stadium are generally affordable.
Q) What are the transportation options to reach Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium?
You can get to the stadium through the following ways
Bus stations near Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium
*Habsiguda St 8,11 min walk.
*Survey Of India,14 min walk.
*Ramanthapur Church,15 min walk.
Metro stations near Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium
*Uppal,52 min walk
Taxi