MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Details, Record & Stats

Undeniably, MA Chidambaram Stadium located in Chennai is among the most prominent cricket venues of the world. It has been actively serving as a hub for some entertaining cricket encounters since 1916. Many people know it as the Chepauk Stadium. After Eden Gardens (Kolkata), this venue is the second oldest international cricket stadium of India. Being located near the Chepauk coastal region of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India gives this stadium a beautiful surrounding. More than a century old, this cricket stadium is still very significant in the sport. Surely, many cricket enthusiasts and fans along with cricketers have some memorable moments associated with this stadium. 

Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has been managing this venue really well and have managed to keep it lively. Also, it is well-equipped with necessary facilities. Stay tuned to find out more about this renowned cricket stadium. This is a detailed blog covering all important information about the Chepauk Stadium a.k.a MA Chidambaram. Further, you will get to know about its historical significance, architecture, and much more. 

An Overview of the MA Chidambaram Stadium – Establishment, History, and more

As has been noted, this venue is also known by another name i.e., Chepauk Stadium. This is because it is located in Chepauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Furthermore, the official name of this stadium is a tribute to M. A. Chidambaram, former BCCI President. This stadium which has been in existence since 1916 is owned and operated by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. Many cricket encounters have been actively getting organised here at the Chepauk Stadium for more than 109 years. Moreover, the historical presence has made this the second oldest cricket stadium of India. Moreover, this stadium is architecturally designed with a maximum spectator capacity of 38200 individuals. Throughout history, many International and domestic teams have been served by this stadium. This includes the India National cricket team, India Women’s National Cricket Team, Tamil Nadu Cricket Team, Tamil Nadu Women’s Cricket Team, and Chennai Super Kings. Speaking of which, this is the home stadium of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Additionally, this stadium is also serving as a venue for the Tamil Nadu Premier League since 2016. 

MA Chidambaram Stadium – About its history and more

Henry Irwin was the one who designed the stadium back in 1846. Thereafter, the establishment in the Chepauk Palace Grounds was handled by Alexander Arbuthnot. However, the formal establishment of this stadium was witnessed in 1916. During the 1934 England’s tour of India, the first ever international cricket match was organised here. The first match of inaugural Ranji Trophy also took place here between the teams of Madras and Mysore. After the Madras state was renamed as Tamil Nadu, this stadium witnessed its restructuring and renaming. 

The new owner was the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. As has been noted, the renaming to MA Chidambaram Stadium was done as a tribute to the renowned former BCCI President. In 2010, the Chepauk Stadium went under reconstruction with a budget of INR 1.75 billion. This was done before the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The most recent renovations took place in 2021 aiming to expand seating capacity, new pavilion, new stands, etc with a budget of INR 1.39 billion. 

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Most notable and prominent records in the history of MA Chidambaram Stadium 

• In 1934, the first home series against England by India was organised here. 
• The first match of Ranji Trophy took place here on November 4, 1934. 
• The world witnessed India’s first victory against England in test cricket here at this stadium. This happened back in February of 1952.
• In a test match against West Indies, Sunil Gavaskar scored his thirtieth test match century in 1983. He broke the record for most test centuries which was formerly held by Don Bradman. 
• Saeed Anwar, a Pakistani cricketer scored a total of 194 runs against India in 1997 during an encounter in the Chepauk Stadium. 
• Shane Warne became the highest wicket taker in test cricket back on October 15, 2004. He surpassed the record of Muttiah Muralitharan with 532 total test wickets. 
• In April 2008, Virender Sehwag made 319 runs in 278 balls in a match against South Africa. 
• The most Test runs of any other venue in India scored by Sachin Tendulkar in Chepauk Stadium. He made a total of 876 runs and it took him 9 test matches with an average of 87.60. 
• On 24th February 2013, Mahendra Singh Dhoni made 224 runs against Australia. This was during the 2012-13 Border Gavaskar Trophy. He was the first ever Indian wicket keeper to have scored a double century in test cricket. 

Information about the accessibility and location of the MA Chidambaram Stadium 

• The location of this stadium is very close to the popular Marina Beach which is a fascinating factor. 
• You can reach the stadium by accessing the Wallajah Road if you are in the north. If you are in the west, Bells Road is best suitable. Whereas, the Victoria Hostel Road is a reliable choice from the east. 
• The nearest station is the Chepauk MRTS Railway Station. It is located to the south-east of the Chepauk Stadium. 
• Chennai MRTS line is a very convenient public mode of travel for accessing this stadium. 
• Lastly, if you are commuting with the Chennai Metro services then your nearest station to the stadium is the Government Estate station. 

Architecture of the MA Chidambaram Stadium 

According to sources, the East Coast Constructions and Hopkins Architect have played a major role in the architecture work of this stadium. The multiple renovations over the years have helped this stadium stay relevant and modern. More enhanced facilities along with improved seating arrangement have been added to the infrastructure. Further, the architectural reconstructions have also upgraded the pitch/field conditions. In simple words, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has left no lack of efforts in modernising the stadium. Over time, the spectator experience has been improved considerably. 

First & Most Recent Cricket Encounters 

Conclusion

Without a doubt, this stadium is among the most iconic cricket venues of India and the world. As this is the home stadium of Chennai Super Kings, fans treat it like a CSK fortress. It is inevitable that this Stadium goes under more renovations and restructuring. Consequently, it will improve even further as time passes. The modern infrastructure combined with the historical significance and legacy make this stadium iconic. 

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