5 new ODI destinations in India

#3 SVNS International Cricket Stadium, Raipur

The SVNS Stadium in Raipur has been held in high regard by former India cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Cricket Stadium (informally known as the SVNS cricket stadium) at Raipur is the second largest stadium in India after Eden Gardens and the fourth largest in the world. It is the home ground of the Chhattisgarh cricket team. Having a seating capacity of 50,000, the stadium is located in Naya Raipur and is in close vicinity with the Raipur airport.The ground was a home venue for the Delhi Daredevils in IPL 6 and hosted two of its matches, both of which were won by the Daredevils. It also hosted eight matches of the 2014 Champions League T20. With an average score of around 151 and an average run rate of 7.78 in the IPL and Champions League T20 matches it has hosted, the SNVS Stadium could be well suited for ODIs. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has held the stadium in high regard, stating it to be one of the best in the country and that it should host matches in every format. Irfan Pathan has also expressed his delight at the stadium and its facilities stating ““When opportunities are created, and such facilities are in place, there is the hope that cricketers will emerge. I hope to play again at this wonderful venue”. Although the stadium is yet to host an international match, if it gets a couple of matches in next year’s IPL, then it could well be utilized for ODIs as well.