Commonly Asked Questions
What is the highest individual test score in the Eden Gardens Stadium?
The highest individual test score in the Eden Gardens Stadium was 281 by VVS Laxman in 2001.
Who scored the most runs at the Eden Gardens in IPL?
G Gambhir, during the span of 2008-2018, had scored the most runs in the Eden Gardens in IPL(1462 runs).
Is Eden Gardens good for spinners?
Yes, the Eden Gardens Stadium has a spin-friendly pitch.
Who has taken the most wickets in Eden Gardens IPL?
The most wickets in Eden Gardens IPL have been taken by Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders ( 70 wickets).
What is the current seating capacity of the Eden Gardens Stadium?
The current seating capacity of the Eden Gardens Stadium is 68,000.
Eden Gardens is not just a stadium, it is an emotion for not only cricket fans but also for the people of Kolkata ( or better to say West Bengal). As a Bengali living in West Bengal, I can assure that the craze regarding the Eden Gardens Stadium is at an all-time high.
Established in 1864, it is the second largest (after the Narendra Modi stadium) and oldest cricket stadium of India, with a seating capacity of 68,000 people. Previously, it had a seating capacity of more than 1,00,000.
However, after renovation, to follow safety standards and comfort, the seating capacity is reduced to 68,000. It has seen many historic wins and moments, and is famous for its huge and passionate viewers. Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the most successful IPL franchises, has its home ground in Eden Gardens Stadium.
Overview and details
Feature | Details |
Stadium Name | Eden Gardens Stadium |
Location | Kolkata, West Bengal |
Established | 1864 |
Status | Second-largest cricket stadium in India, the oldest cricket stadium in India. |
Eden Gardens Stadium seating capacity | 68,000 |
Nickname | Mecca of Indian cricket |
Owner | Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) |
Home teams | Bengal (Domestic), Kolkata Knight Riders KKR (IPL) |
Operated by | Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) |
floodlights | Yes, they were installed in 1993 |
Field size | 66-68 square meters boundary, and 76-78 meters straight boundary |
Eden Gardens Stadium Dimensions (Acreage) | 50 acres, or 0.20 km² |
Pitch type | Balanced |
History
It has been in operation for over 160 years. It was probably named after the Eden Gardens park, where the stadium is located. Eden Gardens park is named after the Eden sisters, Emily and Fanny, of the then-governor general of India, Lord Auckland (1836 -1842).
It was earlier known as ‘Auckland Circus Gardens’ and then, in 1841, it was renamed to ‘Eden Gardens’. Initially, it was for recreation purposes; later, in 1864, it became a dedicated cricket stadium. It is the second stadium to host a World Cup final in 1987. Since then, it has undergone many renovations, like installing the modern bucket-type seating system, new LED floodlights and digital screens, dressing rooms, VIP boxes, and media facilities.
It is the headquarters of the CAB (Cricket Association of Bengal).
Read Also: Brabourne Stadium
Eden Gardens Stadium Renovations
In the 1987 renovation, the seating capacity was increased to one lakh from forty thousand. In the 2011 renovation, seating capacity was reduced to 68,000, citing safety standards.
The stadium has many stands named after cricketers and soldiers. For example, in 2024, a stand was named after Jhulan Goswami, which was inaugurated on 22nd January, 2025. Four stands were named after Indian soldiers on 27th April 2017.
They are:- Lieutenant Colonel dhan Singh thapa, havildar Hangpan Dada, colonel neelakantan Jayachandra, and subedar joginder singh sahnan.
Two stands were named after Sourav Ganguly and Pankaj Roy on 22nd January 2017.
Famous matches and historic moments in the Eden Gardens stadium
- 1987 World Cup finals: For the first time ever, the World Cup finals were held outside of the United Kingdom. Here, Australia defeated England.
- In 1982, it hosted the first edition of the Nehru Cup (from 16th February to 3rd March). It also hosted the 3rd edition of the Nehru Cup, the India vs Uruguay football tournament. The Nehru Cup is an international football tournament, which is organised by AIFF.
- Its first test match was in the year 1934, a match between England and India. Its first ODI was in 1987 between India and Pakistan.
- India vs Australia 2001 test match: The 2nd test match of the 2001 test series was a comeback for the Indian team. Australia won the first test match, with 445 runs, with very little chance for India to win. However, India finally won by 171 runs.
- 1996 World Cup semi-final match: India vs Srilanka: it is considered to be one of the most painful and controversial matches in the history of Eden Gardens stadium.
- First Day/ night test match in 2019, between India and Bangladesh: the pink ball was used for the first time in India, thus introducing a new era in test cricket in India. Bangladesh won the toss and it was elected to bat. India won the match by an innings and forty-six runs.
You can also read: Indian National cricket team
How to Reach Eden Gardens?
The nearest metro station is Esplanade ( from where we have to have a short walk) or Eden Gardens ( recently opened).
Railway station: From Howrah Junction, we have to travel approximately 5 kilometres. From Sealdah Station, a 7 km journey is required.
The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (17 kilometres).
Address of the Eden Gardens Stadium: Gostho Paul Sarani, Maidan, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Eden Gardens Stadium’s Records
Record (All time) | Player of the team |
Highest Test Score | VVS Laxman |
Highest One Day International score | |
Most runs in a test match | VVS Laxman |
Most wickets in a test match | Harbhajan Singh |
First Day – night test match in India | India versus Bangladesh in 2019 |
Highest attendance | 110,564 people in the India versus Sri Lanka cricket World Cup semi-final in 1996 |
Highest-ever runs achieved in the Indian Premier League | 49 runs by Chennai Super Kings CSK against Kolkata Knight Riders KKR on 23rd April 2023 |
Highest ever individual score in IPL | Rajat Patidar |
Best Bowling figures | Sunil Narine ( 5/19) |
As of November 2023, a total of 42 test cricket matches, 36 one-day international matches, and 11 T20 international matches have been played in the Eden Gardens Stadium.
Conclusion
Eden Gardens Stadium has also, unfortunately, witnessed some unexpected tragedy. For example, the 1980 stampede where 16 people were killed during the Mohan Bagan East Bengal Calcutta Football League (CFL). Nevertheless, it is a living symbol of India’s cricket spirit.
Whether you are a local resident of Kolkata or a global cricket fan, watching a match at the Eden Gardens Stadium is an experience that you will forever remember.
