ICC World T20 2016: 5 venues unlucky to miss out on hosting matches

It’s been 2 weeks since the World T20 has gotten underway and arguably this has been one of the most riveting editions in the tournament’s history. The qualification scenarios in both groups might be decided in the very last game and it is this closeness of the competition that is ensuring that the spectators are getting their money’s worth.The high level of competition between the various teams has meant that even the games not involving Team India have witnessed a decent number of spectators.Though India has several venues capable of hosting this marquee event, all the games of this T20 extravaganza are being hosted at 8 venues across India. As a result, several grounds with excellent facilities and infrastructure have missed out on hosting games of the world’s premier T20 tournament.Let’s take a look at 5 such venues who were unlucky to miss out on hosting World T20 games:

#5 Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

This ground is a batting paradise and a perfect fit for a T20

Rajasthan is a state known for its forts and keeping with that tradition, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur is a fortress of sorts. Though it hasn’t been able to host a game since late 2013 due to the controversy surrounding Lalit Modi, this stadium is well known for the impeccable home record of the Rajasthan Royals. In the 2013 season of the IPL, the Royals did not lose a single game at Jaipur.

Initially, this stadium in Jaipur was not considered fit to host international matches. Thereafter, Lalit Modi and his team of administrators turned it around and it played host to a premier ICC event in 2006 when 6 Champions Trophy games were played here.

However, a dip in Modi’s fortunes has meant that this ground has gradually fallen out of favor over the years in spite of significantly improved facilities. Though it has a capacity of a little over 30,000, it has one of the most vociferous crowds showing up each time there is a game.

With small dimensions and a flat pitch that slows down eventually, this ground is a batting paradise and a perfect fit for a T20.

#4 MCA Stadium, Pune

The MCA stadium has a capacity of 42,000 people

The MCA stadium in Pune is arguably the second most picturesque venue in India, after the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala. With dramatic views of the surrounding mountains, it gives the spectators a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature along with appreciating the beauty of the game.

In addition to this version of the World T20, this venue wasn’t able to host a game during the 2011 ICC World Cup due to a delay in construction and is therefore, a rather unlucky venue when it comes to hosting games on the world stage.

The MCA stadium has a capacity of 42,000 people. The most important feature of this stadium is the sand-based outfield which allows the outfield to be drained out quickly even in the case of heavy showers.

Moreover, the stadium and the seating arrangement have been designed in such a way that an unobstructed view is assured from each location. The location of this stadium in the vicinity of the mountains also means that both the players and the spectators would not have to bear the brunt of the Indian summer.

#3 Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, Raipur

An even contest between bat and ball can be expected at this venue

The facilities at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur has left cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan in awe of this venue. However, Raipur has been unlucky to not have hosted a single international game, in spite of the stadium being in existence since 2008.

The World T20 presented an excellent opportunity to explore and showcase the excellent facilities at this venue, but, it seems Raipur will have to wait just a little longer for its maiden international game.

With a capacity of 65,000, this stadium is tied second with the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad in terms of cricket stadiums with highest seating capacity in India. Moreover, this venue is known to have a very sporting pitch which provides assistance to bowlers and batsmen alike.

Therefore, an even contest between bat and ball can be expected at this venue. A game at this venue would have certainly been a great opportunity to take this game to the interiors of India, to a state which has never really been known for its cricketing culture.

#2 Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad

India have never lost a game at this venue after installation of Lord Ganesha’s idol

Having not hosted a single international game since late 2014, the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad is genuinely unlucky to miss out on a game in the World T20. In fact, this venue has never hosted a game of an ICC tournament and has also never hosted a T20 international in spite of having some of the best facilities in the country.

In terms of seating capacity, this ground is second only to the Eden Gardens in India.

This venue is known for its flat pitches. Given that a majority of the matches in this version of the World T20 haven’t really been high scoring ones, the flat pitch at this venue would have surely ensured great entertainment for the crowd with a flurry of fours and sixes.

There was a time when this venue was considered to be unlucky as India did not win a game at this venue till 2011. However, a change in the dressing room position and an installation of Lord Ganesha’s idol meant that the fortunes did turn for the Indian team as they have never lost a game at this venue after that.

#1 JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi

India has never lost an international game at this venue.

This is easily the unluckiest stadium to miss out on hosting a World T20 game. This possibly was Ranchi’s first and last chance to witness MS Dhoni play in front of them in an ICC tournament.

MSD is often called is arguably Ranchi’s favorite son and it would have been an absolute pleasure for Ranchiites to witness him lead the Indian team on the world stage.

Leaving aside the emotions, even if the facilities and infrastructure at this venue are taken into account, it can be said that it is one of the best venues in the country. The JSCA stadium has a capacity of 40,000 people.

It boasts of having two hills on the east and west sides, a first in India. The spectators can enjoy the proceedings of the match from these hills.

In addition to that, the various stands have been spaced out quite nicely, thereby ensuring that there is a constant inflow of breeze across the ground.