Travel Around the World to Visit These Spectacular Cricket Stadiums

Published: 12 Jul, 2019By Jatin

So, I was at my home watching India vs Australia match in World Cup 2019 – there came a moment when a drone camera showed a bird’s eye view of the entire ground from up above. And I was so mesmerized by the architectural beauty of the ground that suddenly I got struck with an idea – how about writing a piece on picturesque cricket grounds around the world? So, here I am with a list of the 10 most beautiful cricket venues around the world that urge one to travel and visit them.

Note: The list does not include The Oval as I felt, it would be unfair to other venues to put it on the list just because of its image of being an iconic venue or maybe just because of its architectural beauty. The other venues boast a unique and picturesque surrounding that The Oval doesn’t. Sorry to hurt you but that’s how I feel.

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA), India

In the state of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is indeed a travellers’ delight. And of all those treasures of this hill station, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium is a significant name. More than a cricket stadium, this venue serves as a popular tourist attraction in Dharamshala. Located at a height of 4780 feet, HPCA is one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world. While relishing the cricket action on the pitch, one can also savour the breathtaking vistas of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Range in the background. Apart from the surrounding, the ground itself boasts a unique and vibrant architecture with colourful stands.

Stadium Facts:

• Seating Capacity: 23,000
• Established in: 2003

Nearby Places to Visit: Tsuglagkhang Complex, Namgyal Monastery, Kareri Dal Lake, Bhagsunag Temple, Bhagsunag Waterfalls, Gyuto Monastery, Kangra Fort, Kangra Art Museum, Masroor Rock Cut Temple, Naddi Village, St. John In The Wilderness Church and Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

Newlands Cricket Ground, South Africa

Situated in the capital city of Cape Town, the ground is officially known as Sahara Park Newlands Cricket Ground. The history of the venue dates back to the late 19th century which makes it one of the oldest cricket venues in the world. The uniqueness of this venue is that it overlooks the Devil’s Peak and the beautiful Table Mountains can also be seen in its background. The aesthetic beauty is a thing to watch out here at this stadium. The image itself tells – what a view this venue would proffer while you watch a match.

Stadium Facts:

• Seating Capacity: 22,500
• Established in: 1888

Nearby Places to Visit: Muizenberg Beach, Castle of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch, Cape Point, Clifton Beach, Bo-Kaap, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Robben Island and Table Mountain.

Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia

Australia is indeed a sports-loving country! And the love of this country for cricket can clearly be seen in Sydney Cricket Ground. Being the fourth oldest cricket grounds in the world, SCG is reckoned to be one of the most classic venues in the long history of cricket. The stadium roughly bisects Bondi Beach and the famous Opera House. For every cricket fan, visiting this venue is special in itself. A walking tour of SCG takes you on a beautiful journey of behind the scenes of Sydney Cricket. You can visit the commentary box, the press rooms, and can relish the astonishing views from the top of the grandstands. To enhance your knowledge about cricket, you can also visit the SCG Museum inside the complex. Close to this cricket stadium in Australia, there is located the Sydney Football Stadium.

Stadium Facts:

• Seating Capacity: 48,000
• Established in: 1848

Nearby Places to Visit: The Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Harbor Cruises from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, The Royal Botanic Garden, Queen Victoria Building, The Sydney Tower Eye, Sydney Beaches, Barangaroo Reserve, Taronga Zoo and Chinatown.

Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka

Fringed by the Indian Ocean on two sides, Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site on another, and tropical shrubs and palms on the fourth side, Galle Stadium is nothing less than a nature resort in itself. The venue was destroyed by the 2004 Tsunami but later got renovated to its original beauty. Today, whenever it is about the most beautiful cricket grounds to visit in the world, Galle comes somewhere on the top of that list. The 16th-century fort that overlooks the stadium has also stood the trials of time and indeed an epitome of Sri Lanka’s rich historical past.

Stadium Facts:

• Seating Capacity: 35,000
• Established in: 1876

Nearby Places to Visit: Galle Fort, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna, Flag Rock, Independence Memorial Hall, National Museum of Galle, Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Beira Lake, Viharamahadevi Park and Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

Beausejour Cricket Ground, St. Lucia

With all the fun, enthusiasm and vibrancy, cricket in the Carribean has an altogether a different meaning. And while you are vacationing in Saint Lucia, you can see it yourself by watching a match at Beausejour Cricket Stadium. Not just spectators, but the players can be seen doing their unique dance and celebration throughout the match and that’s a pleasure to watch. And that’s not just a reason to call it a unique venue, nature’s bounty that surround the stadium is another thing that draws an influx of travellers to this place even on a no-match day. With an extremely cordial ambience, the venue offers a welcoming vibe. A fact to know here is that Beausejour Cricket Ground was named Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in 2016.

Stadium Facts:

• Seating Capacity: 15,000
• Established in: 2002

Nearby Places to Visit: The Pitons, Marigot Bay, Tet Paul Nature Trail, Cocoa Farm, Maria Island Nature Reserve, Millet Bird Sanctuary, Pigeon Island National Park, Rodney Bay, Soufrière, Morne Fortuné, Castries Market and Derek Walcott Square.

Queenstown Event Centre, New Zealand

Located at the shores of Wakatipu Lake and at the foot of The Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown Event Centre is a multi-purpose stadium in New Zealand. The picturesque location of this cricket ground is probably hard to beat by any other venue. Trust me, while watching a match at this venue, it is certain that you will struggle to concentrate on the action going out in the middle, the reason being the Queenstown International Airport’s Runway which is located close to the stadium. The sight of aeroplanes taking off is just so spectacular and to relish that, the venue has a unique style of seating for spectators. Apart from cricket matches, the ground also hosts rugby games, seminars, trade shows, concerts and exhibitions. A visit to this spectacular cricket ground in New Zealand, is nothing less than a treat to the eyes.

Stadium Facts:

• Seating Capacity: 19,000
• Established in: 1997

Nearby Places to Visit: Lake Wakatipu, Bob’s Peak and Skyline Gondola, Queenstown Gardens, Skippers Canyon, Nevis Valley, Marine Parade, Gibbston Valley Winery, Milford Sound, Coronet Peak, Lake Hayes, Queenstown Hill, Arrowtown, Lake Wanaka, and Mount Aspiring National Park.

Lord’s Cricket Ground, England

No list of world’s most beautiful cricket venues is ever complete without the Lord’s Cricket Ground. Often known as the ‘Home of Cricket’, the stadium was established in the early 19th century by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). It is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world. For visitors, the stadium houses the world’s oldest sports museum. The MCC Museum at Lord’s Cricket Ground boasts a rich collection of memorabilia including the Ashes Urn along with the cricket gears of GOAT players like WG Grace, Shane Warne and Don Bradman. The surreal view of the Worcester River from the stands is something which to definitely cherish. Such is the legacy of this venue that in the year 2014, it completed 200th anniversary and has hosted more than 2000 test matches. This cricket ground in England is indeed like an old wine which gets better with age.

Stadium Facts:

• Seating Capacity: 28,000
• Established in: 1814

Nearby Places to Visit: London Eye, Tower of London, British Museum, Royal Observatory, Madame Tussauds Museum, Trafalgar Square, Guildhall Art Gallery, William Morris Gallery, Crystal Palace Park, The Arsenal Football Club Museum, Piccadilly Circus, Westminster Cathedral and Golders Hill Park.

Saxton Oval, New Zealand

Though the stadium is ten years old, it has entered the list of the most alluring cricket venues in the world. Offering a mesmerizing landscape in the background, Saxton Oval is a picturesque cricket venue in New Zealand. Imagine, how alluring it would be to watch a match with astonishing views of mountains in the backdrop. On a clear day, from the stands, the mountain peaks can be seen basking in the warm rays of the sun. Well, certainly it would be very tough for visitors to concentrate on the match with such spectacular vistas.

Stadium Facts:

• Seating Capacity: 28,000
• Established in: 1814

Nearby Places to Visit: Nelson Lakes National Park, Tahunanui Beach, Queen’s Garden, Rabbit Island, World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum, Centre of New Zealand Monument, Nelson Saturday Market, Natureland Zoo, Suter Art Gallery and Abel Tasman National Park Cruise.

Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago

Another splendid venue from the Caribbean region, is Queen’s Park Oval. There is no doubt that you will find many astonishing cricket stadiums in different Caribbean regions like Antigua, Barbados, and St. Lucia but it’s Trinidad’s ground that is unbeatable in terms of picturesque beauty. The views of the Northern Range from the stands are just irresistible which you can be best relished along with a delicious dish from the stadium’s restaurant. To make your visit more amazing, this cricket stadium in Trinidad and Tobago houses a library and a museum space.

Stadium Facts:

• Seating Capacity: 20,000
• Established in: 1896

Nearby Places to Visit: Maracas Bay, Santa Cruz Green Market, Red House Parliament, The Magnificent Seven, Queen’s Park Savannah, Royal Botanic Gardens and National Museum and Art Gallery.

Bay Oval, New Zealand

The exquisiteness of Mount Maunganui is not hidden from the world. This holiday paradise in New Zealand offers you the opportunity to swim, surf, shop, dine and relax on the beach. And amidst this beautiful ambience, there is located Bay Oval – a cricket stadium which is adorned with astonishing landscape. The venue offers a great view of not just the field but the pristine surroundings as well, which includes mountains and the shore.

Stadium Facts:

• Seating Capacity: 10,000
• Established in: 1987/88 (first recorded list a match)

Nearby Places to Visit: Maracas Bay, Santa Cruz Green Market, Red House Parliament, The Magnificent Seven, Queen’s Park Savannah, Royal Botanic Gardens and National Museum and Art Gallery.

So, all you cricket lovers and travellers out there hopefully you’ve chosen the cricket ground you want to visit. If you enjoyed reading this blog, please give us a thumbs up. Also drop a message, if you have more suggestions for us, and we’ll be happy to incorporate them.