by Cricket in India is more than just a sport—it’s a national passion that unites people across this diverse country.
While famous venues like Eden Gardens and Wankhede Stadium often steal the spotlight, there’s a special charm to India’s smallest cricket stadiums that deserves recognition.
These compact venues offer something the giant stadiums can’t—an intimate cricket experience where fans feel connected to the game in a more personal way.
The crack of bat on ball echoes differently in these cozier settings, creating memories that last a lifetime for spectators lucky enough to attend matches here.
The smallest stadium in India might not host as many international fixtures as their larger counterparts, but they play a crucial role in India’s cricket ecosystem.
They serve as proving grounds for emerging talent, preserve cricket traditions in different regions, and bring the joy of live cricket to areas that might otherwise miss out.
Smallest Stadium in India
In this guide, we’ll journey across India to explore these cricket treasures—venues that might be small in size but are massive in character and significance.
From historic grounds with colonial legacies to modern facilities nestled among stunning natural landscapes, each stadium has a unique story waiting to be told.
Whether you’re planning a cricket pilgrimage across India or simply curious about the diverse venues that make up the country’s rich cricket tapestry, this exploration of India’s smallest cricket stadiums offers a fresh perspective on the sport’s deep roots in this cricket-loving nation.
The Complete List: India’s 10 Smallest Cricket Stadiums
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the 10 smallest cricket stadiums in India, arranged by ground length from shortest to longest:
| Stadium Name | Location | Ground Length | Seating Capacity | Year Established |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nehru Stadium | Kochi, Kerala | 140 meters | 40,000 | 1996 |
| Green Park Stadium | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh | 150 meters | 18,000 | 1945 |
| Lalbhai Contractor Stadium | Surat, Gujarat | 150 meters | 7,000 | 1965 |
| Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | 155 meters | 27,500 | 2003 |
| Moti Bagh Stadium | Vadodara, Gujarat | 160 meters | 18,000 | 1930s |
| Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | 160 meters | 25,000 | 2016 |
| Barsapara Cricket Stadium | Guwahati, Assam | 160 meters | 40,000 | 2017 |
| Holkar Cricket Stadium | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | 165 meters | 26,000 | 2003 |
| HPCA Stadium | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh | 175 meters | 23,000 | 2003 |
| Brabourne Stadium | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 180 meters | 20,000 | 1937 |
Now, let’s explore each of these venues in detail to understand what makes them special despite their smaller dimensions.
Top 10 Smallest Cricket Stadiums in India in 2025
Nehru Stadium (Kochi)
City: Kochi, Kerala
Ground Length: 140 meters
Seating Capacity: 40,000
Holding the title of the smallest cricket ground in India by length, Nehru Stadium in Kochi presents a fascinating case of a multi-purpose venue.
Originally designed as a football stadium, it has been adapted for cricket, creating one of the most compact playing areas in Indian cricket.
What Makes It Special:
- Dual-purpose design: The stadium regularly transforms between cricket and football configurations
- Coastal influence: Being located in Kochi, the humid conditions create unique challenges for players
- Passionate Kerala fans: Known for creating an electric atmosphere during matches
Notable Cricket Moments:
- Hosted several ODI matches featuring the Indian national team
- Served as a venue for Kerala’s Ranji Trophy home matches
- Was briefly used for IPL matches when Kerala had representation
Visitor Experience: The stadium’s location in vibrant Kochi makes it easily accessible for tourists. While primarily a football venue now, cricket fans can still appreciate its historic significance to Kerala cricket during guided tours or domestic matches.
Green Park Stadium (Kanpur)
City: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Ground Length: 150 meters
Seating Capacity: 18,000
Green Park holds a special place in Indian cricket history as one of the country’s most historic Test venues, despite its compact 150-meter dimensions.
What Makes It Special:
- Rich Test heritage: Has hosted more than 20 Test matches since 1952
- Historic milestones: Witnessed India’s first Test victory against Australia in 1959
- Traditional cricket atmosphere: Maintains an old-school cricket feel that purists appreciate
Notable Cricket Moments:
- Kapil Dev broke Richard Hadlee’s world record for most Test wickets here in 1994
- Hosted India’s 500th Test match against New Zealand in 2016
- Mohammed Shami took a five-wicket haul here during his Test debut in 2013
Visitor Experience: The stadium’s iconic clock tower and traditional pavilion offer great photo opportunities. The nearby Civil Lines area provides good accommodation options, and visitors should try Kanpur’s famous sweets while in the area.
Lalbhai Contractor Stadium (Surat)
City: Surat, Gujarat
Ground Length: 150 meters
Seating Capacity: 7,000
With the smallest seating capacity among India’s recognized cricket venues, this intimate stadium offers perhaps the closest cricket-watching experience in the country.
What Makes It Special:
- Namesake honor: Named after Nari Contractor, a former India captain from Surat who showed incredible courage throughout his career
- Close-quarters viewing: The limited seating means spectators are remarkably close to the action
- Developmental focus: Serves as a crucial training facility for Gujarat’s emerging cricket talent
Notable Cricket Moments:
- Hosts regular Ranji Trophy matches featuring the Gujarat team
- Venue for several women’s domestic tournaments
- Witnessed Axar Patel’s early career development as a local talent
Visitor Experience: The compact nature of the stadium allows fans to hear on-field conversations and feel genuinely part of the action.
The stadium’s location in Surat, famous for its textile markets, means visitors can combine cricket with shopping for traditional Indian fabrics.
Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam)
City: Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh
Ground Length: 155 meters
Seating Capacity: 27,500
This stadium, commonly called ACA-VDCA Stadium, has emerged as one of India’s most batsman-friendly venues due to its true pitches and shorter boundaries.
What Makes It Special:
- Coastal beauty: Located near the Bay of Bengal with pleasant sea breezes
- Modern amenities: Despite its smaller size, it features contemporary facilities
- Batting paradise: The combination of true bounce and shorter boundaries makes for exciting cricket
Notable Cricket Moments:
- Hosted India’s first Day-Night Test match against Bangladesh in 2019
- Witnessed Virat Kohli score his second Test double century against England in 2016
- Saw Karun Nair hit a triple century against England in a Ranji match
Visitor Experience: The stadium’s proximity to Vizag’s beautiful beaches makes it a great destination for cricket tourists. The city’s seafood is exceptional, and visitors should try the local specialties while in town for matches.
Moti Bagh Stadium (Vadodara)
City: Vadodara, Gujarat
Ground Length: 160 meters
Seating Capacity: 18,000
Moti Bagh Stadium represents a unique blend of cricket and royalty, situated within the grounds of the former royal palace of Vadodara.
What Makes It Special:
- Royal heritage: Part of the Laxmi Vilas Palace complex, adding a regal atmosphere to cricket matches
- Historic significance: Dating back to the 1930s, it’s one of India’s oldest cricket venues
- Talent nurturing: Has produced many international cricketers from the Baroda region
Notable Cricket Moments:
- Witnessed Sachin Tendulkar’s first ODI double century against South Africa in 2010
- Hosted several crucial Ranji Trophy finals
- Saw many of the Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s early performances
Visitor Experience: The stadium’s royal connection provides a unique cricket-watching environment. Visitors should combine match attendance with a tour of the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace nearby, one of India’s largest private residences.
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (Dehradun)
City: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Ground Length: 160 meters
Seating Capacity: 25,000
This relatively new addition to India’s cricket landscape has brought international cricket to the picturesque state of Uttarakhand.
What Makes It Special:
- Mountain backdrop: Beautiful views of the nearby Himalayan foothills
- Afghanistan connection: Served as the home ground for the Afghanistan cricket team for a period
- Tourism boost: Has helped put Dehradun on the international cricket map
Notable Cricket Moments:
- Hosted its first international match when Afghanistan played Bangladesh in a T20I in 2018
- Venue for several exciting Afghanistan vs. Ireland encounters
- Witnessed Rashid Khan’s spectacular bowling performances
Visitor Experience: The stadium’s location in Dehradun, gateway to popular hill stations like Mussoorie, makes it perfect for combining cricket with mountain tourism. The pleasant climate and scenic surroundings add to the appeal for visitors.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium (Guwahati)
City: Guwahati, Assam
Ground Length: 160 meters
Seating Capacity: 40,000
As the newest venue on our list, Barsapara represents cricket’s expanding footprint in Northeast India, a region traditionally more associated with football.
What Makes It Special:
- Northeast representation: First international-standard cricket stadium in this region
- Modern facilities: Built with cutting-edge amenities for players and spectators
- Cultural significance: Helping integrate Northeast India into the national cricket narrative
Notable Cricket Moments:
- Hosted its first international match in 2017 (India vs. Australia T20I)
- Witnessed some high-scoring limited-overs encounters
- Becoming an important venue for domestic cricket in the Northeast
Visitor Experience: Visitors to matches here can explore Guwahati’s cultural attractions, including nearby Kamakhya Temple. The city’s unique Northeast Indian cuisine offers a different flavor profile from other parts of cricket-loving India.
Holkar Cricket Stadium (Indore)
City: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Ground Length: 165 meters
Seating Capacity: 26,000
Despite its relatively recent construction, Holkar Stadium has quickly gained a reputation as one of India’s most batting-friendly venues.
What Makes It Special:
- Named after royalty: Honors the Holkar dynasty that once ruled the Indore region
- Run-fest reputation: Known for high-scoring matches across all formats
- Central India’s cricket hub: Has become the premier cricket venue in Madhya Pradesh
Notable Cricket Moments:
- Witnessed the highest team total in Ranji Trophy history when Mumbai scored 725/9
- Hosted several high-scoring ODIs, including one where India scored 418 against West Indies
- Regular venue for IPL matches featuring Kings XI Punjab
Visitor Experience: Indore’s famous street food, particularly its unique take on chaat (savory snacks), makes for perfect cricket-watching refreshments. The city’s central location makes it accessible from many parts of India.
HPCA Stadium (Dharamshala)
City: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Ground Length: 175 meters
Seating Capacity: 23,000
Widely considered the most beautiful cricket ground in India, possibly the world, HPCA Stadium offers a cricket experience like no other against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
What Makes It Special:
- Breathtaking setting: Situated against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range
- Altitude factor: At 1,457 meters above sea level, one of the highest international cricket venues
- Weather influence: The cool mountain air affects ball movement differently than in other Indian venues
Notable Cricket Moments:
- Hosted its first Test match when India played Australia in 2017’s deciding series match
- Regular venue for IPL matches, offering spectacular sunset views during evening games
- Witnessed several memorable limited-overs internationals against England, West Indies and South Africa
Visitor Experience: The stadium has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Combine match attendance with visits to nearby McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government-in-exile, for a truly unique cricket tourism experience.
Brabourne Stadium (Mumbai)
City: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Ground Length: 180 meters
Seating Capacity: 20,000
As one of the oldest cricket grounds in India, Brabourne Stadium holds a special place in the country’s cricket history and continues to charm visitors with its colonial architecture and traditions.
What Makes It Special:
- Historic significance: Established in 1937, it was Mumbai’s premier cricket venue before Wankhede Stadium
- CCI membership: Houses the prestigious Cricket Club of India
- Architectural charm: The pavilion retains beautiful old-world design elements
Notable Cricket Moments:
- Hosted India’s first Test victory on home soil against England in 1952
- Witnessed Vinoo Mankad’s historic all-round performance against England
- Continues to host important domestic matches and occasional internationals
Visitor Experience: The stadium’s location in South Mumbai places it near many tourist attractions. The CCI club premises offer a glimpse into India’s cricket history with memorabilia displays. The stadium’s colonial architecture makes for excellent photography.
The Unique Charm of Small Stadiums
What makes these smaller venues special in the age of mega-stadiums? Here are some key factors:
- Atmosphere intensity: With fans packed closer together in smaller spaces, the atmosphere often feels more electric
- Player-fan connection: Athletes can hear individual cheers and comments, creating a more personal experience
- Regional cricket culture: Each stadium reflects the unique cricket traditions of its region
- Tactical variations: Smaller boundaries challenge bowlers and reward inventive batting
- Accessibility: These venues often make international cricket accessible to communities away from major metros
How do These Stadiums Shape Player Development?
These smaller grounds play a crucial role in developing Indian cricket talent:
- Adaptability training: Players who master these varied conditions develop versatile skills
- Confidence building: Young batsmen can build confidence on smaller grounds before facing larger venues
- Specialized skills: Bowlers learn to defend shorter boundaries, developing crucial skills for T20 cricket
- Local hero cultivation: Regional players become hometown heroes by performing at their local stadium
- Infrastructure access: Provides quality cricket facilities outside major cricket centers
FAQs About India’s Smallest Cricket Stadiums
- Which is the smallest cricket ground in India?
The Nehru Stadium in Kochi has the smallest ground dimensions with a length of just 140 meters.
- Which stadium has the smallest seating capacity?
Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat can accommodate only 7,000 spectators, making it the most intimate international-standard venue in India.
- Which small stadium is known for its scenic beauty?
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is universally regarded as the most beautiful with its stunning Himalayan backdrop.
- Are these smaller stadiums used for international matches?
Yes, most of these venues host international matches across all formats, though some specialize in particular formats based on their characteristics.
- Which is the oldest small stadium in India?
Moti Bagh Stadium in Vadodara dates back to the 1930s, making it one of the oldest continuously used cricket venues in India.
- Do these stadiums host IPL matches?
Yes, most of these stadiums have hosted IPL matches at some point, with HPCA Dharamshala, Holkar Stadium, and Brabourne Stadium being regular venues.
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Conclusion:
India’s smallest cricket stadiums might lack the grandeur of the country’s cricket colosseums, but they compensate with character, charm, and cricket experiences that feel more personal and authentic.
These venues play a vital role in India’s cricket ecosystem. They bring international cricket to regions that would otherwise miss out, provide important infrastructure for developing local talent, and preserve unique regional cricket traditions and atmospheres.
From the historic elegance of Brabourne Stadium to the breathtaking mountain views at HPCA Dharamshala, each venue contributes something special to India’s rich cricket tapestry.
The newest additions like Barsapara in Guwahati demonstrate that cricket’s reach continues to expand into new territories, bringing more communities into the national cricket conversation.
What these stadiums remind us is that cricket in India is not just about massive spectacles and commercial extravaganzas – it’s also about community connection, regional pride, and the simple joy of watching a game in pleasant surroundings. They prove that when it comes to cricket grounds, bigger isn’t always better.
For the true cricket enthusiast, visiting these smaller stadiums offers a different, often more rewarding experience than attending matches at larger venues.
The intimacy, the unique characteristics, and the local flavor make each visit memorable in its own way.
So the next time you’re planning a cricket tour of India, consider adding some of these smaller gems to your itinerary.
You might find that the most authentic cricket experiences come in smaller packages, where the game remains connected to its roots and local communities.
These smallest stadiums in India might be compact, but they’re massive in significance, charm, and the quality of cricket memories they create.
