The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, located in Gahunje, Pune, is a prominent international cricket venue in India. It serves as the home ground for both the Maharashtra men’s and women’s cricket teams and is operated by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA). The stadium was officially inaugurated on April 1, 2012, by Sharad Pawar, then President of the International Cricket Council (ICC)
Over the years, the MCA Stadium has hosted significant events, from thrilling IPL encounters to crucial international matches like India vs. Australia in 2017. Its strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and vibrant atmosphere make it a fan-favorite. The venue has played a pivotal role for teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and has witnessed some of the finest cricketing moments, drawing large crowds from across the country.
The stadium boasts an impressive seating capacity of around 42,700 spectators, making it one of the prominent cricket venues. Designed by the renowned British architect Sir Michael Hopkins, the structure stands out with its unique bowl shape, offering excellent views from every seat.
Key Highlights
- Location: Gahunje, near Pune, Maharashtra.
- Inauguration: 2012, designed by Sir Michael Hopkins.
- Seating capacity: Approximately 37,000.
- Pitch: Balanced, assisting both batsmen and bowlers.
- Key matches: IPL fixtures, India vs. Australia 2017 Test, and other international games.
- Home team: Maharashtra cricket team, IPL teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
- Facilities: Modern amenities, corporate boxes, and hospitality lounges.
- Significance: Hosts domestic, IPL, and international cricket.
- Future: Plans for further development and global cricket events.
Introduction to Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium
The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium (MCA Stadium) is one of the premier cricket venues in India, located near Pune, Maharashtra. This stadium is known for hosting domestic as well as international cricket matches, including Indian Premier League (IPL) fixtures. Below is a detailed overview of the stadium’s history, features, and its significance in Indian cricket.
Located in Gahunje, near Pune, Maharashtra, this stadium has gained recognition for hosting high-profile international and domestic matches. It is home to the Maharashtra cricket team and serves as one of the venues for IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and previously for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS).
History of Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium
The stadium’s construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 21, 2007. Originally intended to be completed by November 2010, delays pushed its opening to 2012. The venue hosted its first Ranji Trophy match between Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh on December 21, 2011, before its formal inauguration.
The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is a premier venue for cricket, especially during the IPL season. From pitch reports to records, here’s everything you need to know about the stadium and its key aspects.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Construction Start Date | October 21, 2007 |
| Planned Completion | November 2010 |
| Actual Opening Date | 2012 |
| First Ranji Trophy Match | December 21, 2011 (Maharashtra vs. Himachal Pradesh) |
| First International T20 Match | December 2012 (India vs. England) |
| First Test Match | February 2017 (Australia vs. India) |
| World Cup 2023 Matches | Hosted 5 matches, including India vs. Bangladesh |
| Roof Coverage | 75% of the seating area remains uncovered as of September 2023 due to ongoing construction phases |
| Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) | Launched in June 2023, enhancing the stadium’s importance as a cricket hub in Maharashtra |
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium IPL Matches
The MCA Stadium is a regular host of IPL matches, providing thrilling encounters for cricket fans. Whether it’s the home matches of Pune-based teams or high-profile clashes between IPL heavyweights, the stadium offers an electrifying atmosphere.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at MCA Stadium has generally been a balanced one, though it tends to favor spinners in the latter stages of the game. The bounce is true, making it friendly for batsmen early on. Here’s a quick overview:
- Batting or Bowling Friendly: Mostly batting-friendly, but spinners get some turn as the game progresses.
- Scorecards: Moderate to high scores are common, with 160+ often being competitive in T20 matches.
- Pitch Report Today: (Check live updates)
- Pitch Report in Hindi: यहां पिच रिपोर्ट देखें।
- Pitch Length: Standard international size.
Up Coming Matches
The 4th T20I match between India and England is scheduled for January 31, 2025, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
Match Details
- Date: January 31, 2025
- Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
- Local Start Time: 19:00 IST (13:30 GMT)
- Match Format: T20 International (20 overs)
Venue Information
The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, also known as MCA Stadium, is a modern cricket venue that opened in 2012. It has a seating capacity of approximately 33,000 spectators and is known for its excellent facilities and spectator experience. The stadium is situated in the outskirts of Pune and has hosted various domestic and international matches.
Historical Context
- The stadium has quickly gained a reputation for its well-maintained pitch that typically supports both batsmen and bowlers.
- It has hosted several notable matches, including ODIs and T20Is, contributing to its growing legacy in Indian cricket.
This T20I will be a crucial match in the series, as both teams aim to gain momentum and secure a win in this competitive format.
What are the predicted playing elevens for the 4th T20I
The predicted playing elevens for the 4th T20I match between India and England on January 31, 2025, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune are as follows:
| India Predicted XI | Role | England Predicted XI | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Jos Buttler (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | Batter | Jason Roy | Batter |
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | Batter (Captain) | Dawid Malan | Batter |
| Tilak Varma | Batter | Harry Brook | Batter |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder | Ben Stokes (c) | All-rounder (Captain) |
| Rinku Singh | Batter | Liam Livingstone | All-rounder |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder | Moeen Ali | All-rounder |
| Ramandeep Singh | All-rounder | Sam Curran | All-rounder |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Bowler | Mark Wood | Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | Reece Topley | Bowler |
| Yash Dayal / Avesh Khan | Bowler | Adil Rashid | Bowler |
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Records
Over the years, MCA Stadium has seen several records being set. Whether it’s in the IPL or international cricket, the stadium has witnessed some iconic moments:
- ODI Records (2023): High scores with bat dominating most games.
- T20 Records: Consistent performances from top players.
- IPL Records: Various thrilling moments, including high chases and last-over finishes.
International Cricket Stadium in Pune
MCA Stadium is Pune’s primary international cricket venue, hosting ODI, T20, and Test matches. It’s renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and has hosted both domestic and international events.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pune Batting or Bowling Pitch
MCA Stadium’s pitch is generally favorable for batting, especially in the early overs. However, bowlers, especially spinners, tend to come into play as the game progresses.
- Pitch Type: Balanced, with slight spin later on.
- Best for: Batting in the first half, spin bowling in the second half.
- Pitch Scorecards: Historical data suggests scores around 160-180 in T20s.
Pune Cricket Stadium Name List
The MCA Stadium is the primary cricket stadium in Pune, and it’s often referred to by several names:
- Gahunje Stadium
- MCA Stadium
- Pune Cricket Stadium These names are all synonymous with the same world-class venue located in Pune.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Boundary Length
The boundary length at MCA Stadium varies but is typically between 70 to 75 meters, depending on the match type and setup.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium IPL Matches Scorecard
With a rich history of hosting IPL matches, MCA Stadium has seen some exciting games with high-scoring matches:
- Notable IPL Matches: Matches featuring thrilling chases and century scores.
- Scorecards: Available on official sports apps during live games.
Pune Stadium IPL Matches 2024
Fans can look forward to several IPL matches at Pune’s MCA Stadium in 2024. With top teams battling it out, the stadium will be abuzz with excitement.
- Schedule: Stay updated on official IPL platforms for match schedules.
- Today’s Matches: Check sports networks for live coverage.
Upcoming Cricket Matches in Pune 2024
Apart from IPL matches, MCA Stadium will host several domestic and international fixtures in 2024. Be sure to keep track of the upcoming match schedules to not miss any action.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Records Today
Each year, the stadium witnesses new records. From T20 high scores to outstanding bowling performances, MCA Stadium has become a hub for thrilling cricket:
- Today’s Records: Check live updates on sports websites for recent match stats.
- T20 & IPL Records: Several big names in cricket have left their mark here.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Previous Match
The last few matches at MCA Stadium have been closely contested, with both batsmen and bowlers having their moments:
- Last International Match: India vs Australia, 2023.
- Previous Match Stats: Available on official sports platforms.
Pune Stadium Matches 2024
The 2024 calendar is packed with several high-profile matches, including domestic, IPL, and international games. Cricket fans in Pune are in for a treat.
Pune Pitch Report Batting or Bowling
The Pune pitch at MCA Stadium is well-known for being conducive to batting early on, but as the game progresses, bowlers, especially spinners, tend to dominate.
- First Half: Batting-friendly.
- Second Half: Ideal for spin bowling.
International Cricket Stadium in Maharashtra
Maharashtra boasts several international cricket stadiums, with MCA Stadium being the crown jewel in Pune. Other prominent venues include Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
How Many International Cricket Stadiums in Pune?
Pune has one main international cricket stadium, the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, which is recognized for hosting international cricket and IPL matches.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium t20 test ODI match cricket
The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune has hosted various cricket formats, including T20, ODI, and Test matches. Here’s a summary of the matches held at this venue:
Equipped with advanced facilities such as pop-up sprinklers and state-of-the-art floodlights, the stadium is well-prepared for hosting night matches. The playing surface is covered with Bermuda grass, known for its adaptability, making it suitable for both batting and spin bowling, especially as the match advances.
Upcoming Matches Schedule
| Date | Match Type | Teams | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10-10 | ODI | India vs Australia | 2:00 PM IST |
| 2024-10-15 | T20 | India vs New Zealand | 7:30 PM IST |
| 2024-11-02 | IPL Playoffs | TBD vs TBD | 7:30 PM IST |
| 2024-11-09 | Test Match | India vs South Africa | 2:00 PM IST |
| 2024-11-20 | ODI | India vs West Indies | 2:00 PM IST |
Match Formats and Records
| Match Format | Total Matches | Winning Statistics | Total Runs Scored | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 Matches | 4 | First Batting Team: 2 wins Chasing Team: 2 wins |
1,241 runs | Highest Score: 206 Lowest Score: 101 |
| ODI Matches | 12 | First Batting Team: 6 wins Chasing Team: 6 wins |
6,774 runs | Significant matches: India vs. England India vs. Australia |
| Test Matches | 1 (since Feb 2017) | Notable Performance: Virat Kohli’s double century against South Africa in October 2019 | N/A | First Test hosted in February 2017 |
Stadium Features
- Seating Capacity: Approximately 37,000 spectators.
- Established: Inaugurated in April 2012.
- Unique Design: The stadium is designed like a deep bowl, offering excellent sightlines for spectators.
New Zealand Tour of India Test Series 2024 2nd Test
This Test series is part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship. It consists of three Tests between India and New Zealand. The first Test will take place from October 16 to October 20, 2024, in Bengaluru. The third Test is scheduled for November 1 to November 5, 2024, in Mumbai.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 42,700 spectators |
| Design | Designed by British architect Sir Michael Hopkins; unique bowl shape |
| Facilities | High-tech features include pop-up sprinklers and floodlights for night matches |
| Ground Conditions | Bermuda grass surface; conducive for batting and spin bowling as the match progresses |
Ticket Prices for Matches at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Ticket prices at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium vary based on the match and seating category. For the 2023 ICC World Cup and other events, here are the general price ranges:
| Seating Category | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| East Stand Second Floor | ₹1,000 |
| East Stand First Floor | ₹1,500 |
| East Stand Ground Floor | ₹4,000 |
| Hill A | ₹6,000 |
| West Side Corporate Box | ₹8,000 |
| VIP Box | ₹10,000 |
| North East Stand | ₹1,750 |
| South East Stand | ₹1,750 |
| East Stand | ₹3,500 |
| West Stand | ₹3,500 |
| South West Stand | ₹7,500 |
| North West Stand | ₹5,000 |
Are there any VIP packages available for the matches
Yes, there are VIP packages available for matches at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. These packages typically include premium seating, access to exclusive hospitality areas, gourmet catering, and complimentary drinks.
VIP Package Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Premium Seating | Access to some of the best seats in the stadium. |
| Hospitality Lounges | Entry to exclusive lounges with comfortable seating and big screens. |
| Fine Dining | Gourmet meals served as a buffet or sit-down service. |
| Drinks Packages | Complimentary drinks, including soft drinks, beer, wine, and sometimes champagne. |
| Pre-match Entertainment | Access to entertainment such as live music or player interviews. |
| Matchday Programmes | Complimentary official matchday programmes. |
| VIP Parking | Reserved parking spaces close to the stadium. |
Stadium Capacity and Structure
The stadium boasts an impressive seating capacity of around 42,700 spectators, making it one of the prominent cricket venues. Designed by the renowned British architect Sir Michael Hopkins, the structure stands out with its unique bowl shape, offering excellent views from every seat.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 42,700 spectators |
| Design | Designed by British architect Sir Michael Hopkins; unique bowl shape |
| Facilities | High-tech features include pop-up sprinklers and floodlights for night matches |
| Ground Conditions | Bermuda grass surface; conducive for batting and spin bowling as the match progresses |
Pitch Characteristics
The pitch at the MCA Stadium is known for being a balanced one, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. Over the years, it has become recognized for its bouncy surface, aiding pace bowlers, particularly in early overs, while spinners find assistance as the game progresses.
Memorable Matches and Performances
The stadium hosted its first international match in December 2012, an India vs. England T20I.One of the standout games at this venue was the India vs. Australia Test match in 2017, where Australia secured a memorable victory. The venue has also seen several memorable IPL performances, including crucial encounters involving CSK.
Facilities and Amenities
MCA Stadium offers state-of-the-art facilities, including indoor training areas, modern dressing rooms, and media facilities. It also includes corporate boxes, luxury suites, and hospitality lounges to cater to VIP guests and corporate events.
International Matches
Besides IPL, the stadium has hosted several important international fixtures, including ODIs, T20Is, and Test matches. India vs. Sri Lanka, India vs. West Indies, and other series have been hosted here, adding to its importance on the cricketing map.
Accessibility and Location
The stadium is located around 25 kilometers from Pune city, making it a convenient venue for both locals and visitors from outside. Public transportation and private taxis make the stadium easily accessible on match days.
Future of MCA Stadium
With the ongoing success of IPL and the increasing number of international fixtures, the MCA Stadium is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in Indian cricket. It is likely to host several high-profile matches in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup and other global tournaments.
Iconic Moments
Several standout moments have occurred at this venue, including match-winning performances by cricketing legends like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Fans also fondly remember intense T20 finishes and key wicket-taking spells from both Indian and international bowlers.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium has solidified its reputation as a premier cricketing venue in India. Its modern facilities, international-standard pitch, and scenic location near Pune have made it a favorite among players and fans alike.With several significant matches already in its history and many more to come, the MCA Stadium continues to be a crucial part of India’s cricketing infrastructure.