Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (Cricket)

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, Telangana, is a modern cricket venue established in 2004 and inaugurated in 2005. Located in the Uppal suburb, it was built to replace the older Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, providing the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) full control and a larger, state-of-the-art facility.

The stadium can seat around 55,000 spectators and spans 16 to 24 acres. It features two ends named Pavilion End and North End—the latter named in honor of cricketer VVS Laxman along with floodlights for day-night matches, spacious seating, hospitality suites, practice facilities, and a well-maintained grass pitch known for true bounce that initially favors batsmen but assists spinners as the game progresses.

The stadium has hosted numerous international matches, including Tests, ODIs, and T20s, and is the home ground for the IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad. Originally named Visaka International Cricket Stadium after its contractor, it was renamed to honor former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Known for its modern design, excellent viewing experience, and memorable cricketing moments, it stands as a key landmark of Hyderabad’s sports culture. The first international match played there was an ODI between India and South Africa in 2005.