Ekana Cricket Stadium officially known as Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, is one of India’s most modern cricket venues, located in Lucknow Uttar Pradesh. With a seating capacity of 50,100 it hosts major cricket events like IPL matches (Lucknow SuperGiants) WPL (UP Warriorz), and international fixtures. Known for its bowler-friendly pitch and long boundaries Ekana has quickly become a favorite for spin-dominated contests.
This stadium isn’t just about cricket it’s a fan-friendly arena with VIP lounges ample parking, and easy accessibility. Whether you’re looking for match tickets, pitch reports, or records Ekana offers a complete cricketing experience. It has also hosted historic moments like Afghanistan’s first Test win (2019) and high-voltage IPL clashes.
From low-scoring thrillers to explosive T20 chases, Ekana Stadium has something for every cricket lover. If you’re planning a visit or just curious about its stats, facilities or ticket prices, this guide covers everything you need to know in one place.
Key Highlights
- Pitch Behavior: Slow, spin-friendly, low-scoring T20 matches.
- Records: Highest IPL score (235/6), best bowling (Mark Wood’s 5/14).
- Tickets: Prices range from ₹399 (general) to ₹20,000 (VIP).
- Upcoming Matches: IPL 2025 schedule for Lucknow SuperGiants.
Ekana Cricket Stadium: The Ultimate Guide (Records, Tickets, Pitch Report & More)
Cricket fans, tourists, and sports enthusiasts searching for Ekana Cricket Stadium details often look for pitch reports, ticket prices, records, and match schedules. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know from IPL stats and seating arrangements to how to book tickets and upcoming matches.
Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about Lucknow’s premier cricket venue, this article answers all your questions with accurate data, FAQs, and insider tips. Let’s dive in!
Introduction to Ekana Cricket Stadium
Ekana Cricket Stadium, officially known as Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, is one of India’s newest and most advanced cricket venues. Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, it has a seating capacity of 50,100 and is home to the Lucknow SuperGiants (IPL) and UP Warriorz (WPL).
The stadium gained fame for its bowler-friendly pitch, long boundaries, and world-class facilities. It has hosted international matches, IPL games, and even World Cup 2023 fixtures.
Key Highlights
- Built in 2017 under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
- Renamed in honor of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Features India’s longest straight boundaries (over 80 meters).
- Hosted Afghanistan’s home matches in 2019.
- Equipped with floodlights, VIP lounges, and multiple food courts.
If you’re visiting for a match, this guide will help you plan better!
Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report (Batting or Bowling?)
One of the most searched topics about Ekana Stadium is its pitch behavior. Unlike high-scoring venues like Chinnaswamy or Wankhede, Ekana’s surface is slow, low-bouncing, and favors spinners.
In T20 matches, the average first-innings score is 160, while the second innings drops to 122. In ODIs, teams average 222 (1st innings) and 205 (2nd innings). The pitch tends to slow down as the match progresses, making chasing difficult.
Key Pitch Stats:
- T20 Avg. Score: 160 (1st inns) | 122 (2nd inns)
- ODI Avg. Score: 222 (1st inns) | 205 (2nd inns)
- Best for: Spinners (Ravi Bishnoi, Krunal Pandya excel here)
- Highest T20 Score: 199/2 (India vs. SL, 2022)
- Lowest IPL Score: 108 (RCB vs. LSG, 2023)
Verdict: Ekana is a bowling-dominated ground, especially in day-night matches.
Ekana Stadium Records (IPL, T20I, ODI, WPL)
Ekana Cricket Stadium, officially known as Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, has quickly become a notable venue in international and domestic cricket since its establishment in 2017. In IPL matches, the stadium has witnessed some standout performances, including the highest team total of 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 and the best bowling figures of 5/14 by Mark Wood for Lucknow SuperGiants in 2023. The pitch tends to favor bowlers, particularly spinners, with an average first-innings IPL score of 168.67 and a win rate of 50% for teams batting second.
In T20Is, India holds the record for the highest score (199/2) against Sri Lanka in 2022, while the lowest total is 99/8 by New Zealand in 2023. The stadium has also hosted Afghanistan’s historic wins, including their first Test victory in 2019.
In ODIs, the highest total at Ekana is 311/7 by South Africa against Australia during the 2023 World Cup, while the lowest is 129. The venue has seen dominant bowling performances, such as Rahkeem Cornwall 7/75 for West Indies against Afghanistan in 2019. For the Women’s Premier League (WPL), UP Warriorz posted the highest score of 169/5, with Sophie Ecclestone taking the best bowling figures (4/13). The stadium’s pitch conditions generally favor spinners, reflected in low-scoring chases and balanced contests across formats.
Cricket fans love stats, and Ekana has some fascinating records. From KL Rahul’s IPL dominance to Mark Wood’s fiery spell, here’s a breakdown:
Batting Records
- Highest IPL Score: 235/6 (KKR vs. LSG, 2024)
- Most IPL Runs: KL Rahul (483 runs at 53.66 avg)
- Fastest Fifty: Nicholas Pooran (15 balls vs. RCB, 2023)
- Highest T20I Score: Rohit Sharma (111* vs. WI, 2018)
Bowling Records
- Best IPL Bowling: Mark Wood (5/14 for LSG vs. DC, 2023)
- Most Wickets (IPL): Ravi Bishnoi (19 wickets)
- Best ODI Figures: Rahkeem Cornwall (7/75, WI vs. AFG, 2019)
Women’s Cricket (WPL Records)
- Highest WPL Score: 169/5 (UP Warriorz vs. MI, 2024)
- Best Bowling: Sophie Ecclestone (4/13)
Fun Fact: Ekana hosted 5 matches in the 2023 World Cup, including Australia vs. South Africa (311/7).
Ekana Stadium Ticket Price & Booking (IPL 2025)
Planning to watch an IPL match at Ekana? Here’s how to book tickets and expected prices for Lucknow SuperGiants’ 2025 home games:
Ticket Price Range (IPL 2025)
| Category | Price (₹) |
| General Stand | 399 – 1,499 |
| Premium Stand | 2,499 – 4,999 |
| VIP Lounge | 10,000 – 20,000 |
How to Book Tickets?
- Online: BookMyShow, Paytm Insider
- Offline: Stadium counters (limited availability)
- Early Bird Discounts: Check LSG’s social media
Pro Tip: Book at least 10 days early IPL matches sell out fast!
Upcoming Matches at Ekana Stadium (2025 Schedule)
Here’s the tentative IPL 2025 schedule for Lucknow Super Giants’ home games:
| Date | Match | Time |
| April 5 | LSG vs. MI | 7:30 PM |
| April 12 | LSG vs. RCB | 3:30 PM |
| April 20 | LSG vs. CSK | 7:30 PM |
Non-IPL Events: Political rallies, concerts (check official updates).
FAQs
Is Ekana Stadium good for batting?
No, it’s bowling-friendly, especially for spinners.
What’s the highest score in IPL at Ekana?
235/6 by KKR vs. LSG (2024).
Can I bring food inside?
No, only water bottles (transparent) and wallets allowed.
Who has the most wickets at Ekana?
Ravi Bishnoi (19 wickets in IPL).
How to reach Ekana Stadium?
- 11 km from Charbagh Railway Station
- Metro: Nearest station (proposed)
- Parking: 1,000+ car slots
Conclusion
Ekana Cricket Stadium is a must-visit for cricket lovers, offering thrilling matches, great facilities, and affordable tickets.
- Arrive 2 hours early for security checks.
- Carry ID proof for ticket verification.
- Explore Lucknow’s kebabs post-match!
Now you’re ready to enjoy a match at Ekana like a pro!