Eden Gardens is a cricket ground in Kolkata, India. It is predominantly used for cricket matches and is the home ground for the Bengal cricket team and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. The cricket ground is owned and operated by the Cricket Association of Bengal.
The stadium was established in 1864 and is one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world. It initially had a seating capacity of 40,000 which was increased over the years. After renovations for the 2011 Cricket World Cup, the capacity was reduced to 68,000, making it the second-largest cricket stadium in the world after the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.
Eden Gardens has been the venue for several landmark events in cricket. It hosted the final match of the 1987 World Cup, becoming the first stadium outside England to host a World Cup final. It is also the venue of the first-ever Day-Night Test match in India which was played between India and Bangladesh in November 2019. The stadium is often referred to as India's 'Home of Cricket' and is renowned for its passionate and knowledgeable spectators. The atmosphere at Eden Gardens, particularly during high-stake matches, is considered unmatched across the cricketing world.
Eden Gardens also witnessed some of the most memorable performances in cricket history. It is the ground where Harbhajan Singh became the first Indian to take a hat-trick in test cricket. It is also the ground where VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid had their epic 376-run partnership in the 2001 test match against Australia, which is considered one of the greatest comebacks in cricket history.
Eden Gardens is not just a cricket ground, it has also played host to several cultural and political events. It has welcomed more than 20 million spectators by its 150th anniversary. With India's cricketing heritage and ongoing love for the sport, Eden Gardens continues to be an iconic symbol of Indian cricket.
While the previous Kolkata stadium was also officially named 'Eden Gardens', both the old and the new stadia are invariably referred to by their official name, Eden Gardens. Eden Gardens is the name of the neighborhood the stadium was built on, on the border between the parishes of B.B.D. Bagh and Maidan, which itself derives its name from the nearby Eden Gardens Park (Park of Eden Gardens). This official name caught on soon after the original stadium's construction; the people of Kolkata used to simply call it Eden ('the Eden'). Therefore, the stadium's common name became 'Eden Gardens', which is usually anglicized to 'Eden Gardens'. This translation, however, could be argued to be accurate, since Eden Gardens refers not just to 'Eden' but also to the original address of the stadium: Eden Gardens Road ('Road of Eden Gardens'). Eden Gardens has a rich history and has been a significant venue for cricket in India for over a century. The stadium was established in 1864 and since then has witnessed numerous memorable moments in cricket history. It is the oldest cricket stadium in India and the second largest in the world in terms of seating capacity. The stadium underwent major renovations to meet the standards of the International Cricket Council for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The iconic stadium has played host to a number of significant matches including the 1987 World Cup final and the 2016 World Twenty20 final. The stadium is home to the Bengal cricket team and the Kolkata Knight Riders of the Indian Premier League. The rich history, the passionate cricket-loving crowd, and the iconic structure of Eden Gardens make it one of the most memorable cricket venues in the world.
Eden Gardens, located in the heart of Kolkata, is one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world. Being situated in the Maidan area of Kolkata, it is often referred to as 'Cricket's answer to the Colosseum' due to its colossal size and legendary status.
The stadium has always been owned by the Cricket Association of Bengal, who has overseen several renovations and expansions since the stadium's inception in 1864. The design and layout of the sports complex have evolved over the years, with significant input from various architects and planners.
Under the dynamic leadership of Jagmohan Dalmiya, former president of the International Cricket Council and the Cricket Association of Bengal, the stadium underwent its most significant expansion in the 1990s. Fans and supporters were instrumental in these developments, often contributing their own time and resources to the cause. There was even a 'brick campaign', where bricks were donated in large quantities for the construction process.
Construction work officially began on 5 November 1987 to increase the stadium's capacity and to modernize its facilities. Less than two years later, and at a cost of approximately 10 crores INR, the renovated stadium was inaugurated on 2 February 1989. The inaugural match was an event of great national pride, attended by a massive crowd of cricket fans and enthusiasts.
Today, Eden Gardens boasts a seating capacity of 66,000 spectators, making it the second-largest cricket stadium in the world. It has been a witness to many historic cricket matches and has played host to numerous international cricket events, including World Cup matches and high-profile IPL games. The stadium is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including high-tech digital scoreboards, floodlights for day-night matches, and advanced player facilities.
'Eden Gardens (1864)' (in English): Information about Eden Gardens, its history and significance in Indian cricket. https://www.cricketassociationofbengal.com/eden_gardens.php
'Eden Gardens (The Mecca of Indian Cricket) – until 2003': Overview of Eden Gardens' history and its role in Indian cricket until 2003. http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/ind/eden_gardens
'Eden Gardens: The Soul of Indian Cricket', Prefácio, Prime Books, 2003: A book that delves into the soul and spirit of Indian cricket and Eden Gardens. https://www.amazon.com/Eden-Gardens-Soul-Indian-Cricket/dp/9728820070
'Eden Gardens: 150 Glorious Years – The History 1', Edition and Contents, S.A., 2003: A comprehensive history of Eden Gardens, celebrating its 150th anniversary. https://www.amazon.com/Eden-Gardens-Glorious-Years-History/dp/989554099X
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