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| Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Opened | 2003 |
| Owner | Telangana State? |
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is a cricket ground located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The venue has hosted international Test cricket, One Day Internationals, and Twenty20 Internationals, and serves as a home ground for the Hyderabad cricket team and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The stadium is named after Rajiv Gandhi and has been a prominent site for domestic tournaments such as the Indian Premier League and domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy.
The stadium was developed to replace older venues such as the Nizam's Stadium and to provide facilities comparable to stadia used in events including the ICC Cricket World Cup and the Asian Games. Construction efforts involved local bodies including the Hyderabad Cricket Association and state agencies tied to Andhra Pradesh prior to the formation of Telangana. Early inauguration events linked the ground to fixtures featuring teams like India national cricket team, England cricket team, Australia national cricket team, and touring sides from South Africa and Pakistan. Over the years the venue has been used for fixtures organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and has hosted fixtures involving franchises such as Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Designed with input from consultants experienced with venues used in the ICC Champions Trophy and multi-purpose complexes like those in New Delhi and Kolkata, the stadium features seating tiers, hospitality boxes, and media facilities meeting standards set by the International Cricket Council. The ground includes player amenities similar to those at Eden Gardens and Wankhede Stadium, with dressing rooms, physiotherapy suites, and practice nets. A modern drainage system was installed following models used at stadia that staged the Indian Premier League and the Asia Cup, while floodlighting and electronic scoreboards match broadcast requirements for networks such as Star Sports and ESPNcricinfo-partnered productions.
The venue has staged international fixtures against teams including England cricket team, Australia national cricket team, Pakistan national cricket team, Sri Lanka national cricket team, and New Zealand national cricket team. It hosted high-profile matches during IPL seasons featuring franchises like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, and memorable contests in tournaments such as the Deodhar Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Notable matches have included centuries by players from India national cricket team and touring stars like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, and AB de Villiers.
Batting records at the ground include high scores by international and domestic batsmen from sides such as India national cricket team and Australia national cricket team, with centuries recorded by players including Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and visiting batsmen like Michael Clarke. Bowling achievements include five-wicket hauls by bowlers representing India national cricket team and touring teams, with notable performances similar to those from bowlers such as Zaheer Khan and Stuart Broad. IPL statistics at the venue feature standout seasons for players from Sunrisers Hyderabad and opposition stars from Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
The stadium is accessible via road links connecting to arterial routes serving Hyderabad and suburbs, with public transport options including services operated by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation and rail connections at stations such as Hyderabad Deccan railway station and Secunderabad Junction. For air travelers, the venue is reachable from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport via highways and expressways used by interstate coaches and taxis. Parking, pick-up/drop-off zones, and last-mile connectivity arrangements are coordinated with municipal bodies comparable to those managing access to venues in Bengaluru and Chennai.
The ground is administered by the Hyderabad Cricket Association and coordinated with state-level sports authorities linked historically to Andhra Pradesh and subsequently Telangana. Operational responsibilities align with standards promoted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and event requirements set by the International Cricket Council. Franchise matches involve collaborations with entities such as Sunrisers Hyderabad and commercial partners including broadcasters and sponsors engaged with leagues like the Indian Premier League.
Plans for upgrades have focused on spectator amenities, broadcast infrastructure, and player facilities, drawing comparisons with redevelopment projects at venues like Eden Gardens and Wankhede Stadium. Proposed enhancements discussed by stakeholders include expanded corporate hospitality in line with trends in the Indian Premier League and technology upgrades used in international tournaments such as the ICC T20 World Cup. Coordination for future work typically involves the Hyderabad Cricket Association, state authorities of Telangana, and national bodies including the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Category:Cricket grounds in India Category:Sports venues in Hyderabad, India