Commonly Asked Questions
What major event led to the discontinuation of the stadium as a test match venue in the 1970s?
In the 1970s, a major dispute happened over ticket allocation between the Cricket Club of India CCI, the owner of the stadium. and the Bombay Cricket Association BCA, the local cricket body. This event led to the discontinuation of the test cricket match after the Wankhede Stadium was built.
What has happened to the Brabourne Stadium?
The Brabourne Stadium was no longer used for test matches after the famous Wankhede Stadium was built.
What historical status does the stadium hold in Indian sports?
It is the first stadium in India that is recognised as a permanent sports stadium.
When was the first test match played in the stadium?
The first test match was played on 9th December 1948, between India and the East Indies.
When was the stadium established?
The stadium was established on 7th December 1937, almost 88 years ago.
When was the last match held in the Stadium?
The last one-day international match was held on 29th October, 2018, between India and the West Indies.
The last test match was played on 2nd December 2018 between India and Sri Lanka.
The last women’s T20 international was played on 20th December 2022, between India and Australia.
The Brabourne Stadium is one of the most popular cricket stadiums in South Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is located near the church gate and was established in 1937. It is India’s first permanent sports stadium. Today, it stands as a historic venue for many domestic and international cricket matches.
Details
Name | Brabourne stadium |
Location | South Mumbai ( near Churchgate area) , Maharashtra |
Brabourne Stadium capacity | 50,000 |
Owned by | Cricket Club of India CCI |
Established in | 1937 |
Designed by | Neville De Mello |
Named after | Lord Brabourne, the then Governor General of Bombay ( now Mumbai) |
History
This Brabourne cricket stadium was named after Lord Brabourne, the then Governor General of Bombay ( now Mumbai). Its foundation stone was laid on 22nd May, 1936, by him. Later, the project was finished in 1937, the year it was finally inaugurated. ( The exact date of the inauguration is 7th December 1937). The cost of construction was more than Rs 1.8 million.
It is owned by the cricket club of India, CCI. This cricket stadium has a wide range of modern amenities and facilities, like a clubhouse, tennis court, and swimming pool. It is located near the famous Marine Drive, which increases its natural beauty.
Architecture
The stadium has a pavilion with dark wood walls (decorated with portraits of cricketers and images of famous cricket matches) and marble floors, and three main stands, which are respectively the North stand, West Stand, and East Stand. The stadium was designed by Neville de Mello.
Currently, the seating capacity of the stadium is between 20,000- 25,000. Earlier, it had a larger seating capacity ( popularly stated as 35,000 seats), which was later removed for safety Concerns.
Later, the stadium underwent many renovations, like installing floodlights. It is currently recognised as a heritage grade IIB building.
Before the relocation, the North stand of this stadium used to have the headquarters of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), till 2006.
Famous matches in Brabourne Stadium
- The first international test match at the Brabourne Stadium was played between India and the West Indies on 13th December 1948. West Indies won the toss and elected to bat. The result of the match was a draw, with India finishing on 333/3 in the second innings.
- The first T20 international match at this stadium was held between India and Australia on 20th October 2007. Australia won the toss and elected to bat. The result of the match is that India won by 7 wickets.
- After a gap of 36 years, it held a test match ( between India and Sri Lanka) from 2nd December to 6th December 2009, thus setting a record for the longest time interval between two test matches held in a stadium. The previous test cricket match was held in 1973. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat. The result of the match is that India won by an innings and 24 runs. Virendra Sehwag scored 293 off just 254 balls. He made the record for the fastest 250 in test cricket history (Broke his own record, off 207 balls. He was named the man of the match.
- The first One Day International match in the Brabourne stadium was held between Pakistan and Australia, on 23rd October, 1989, in the MRF World Series for the Jawaharlal Nehru Cup. Pakistan won the match by 66 runs.
- In 2013, the Brabourne stadium hosted several matches of the 2013 ICC women’s cricket world cup ( 10th edition), between 31st January and 17th February 2013. Australia won the match ( their 6th title). On 31st January 2013, it hosted the India vs West Indies ( Group A), where India won. The final was held on 17th February 2013, where Australia won by 114 runs. Jess Cameron of Australia was awarded the player of the match.
- The Brabourne Stadium hosted the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy final on 5th November 2006. West Indies won the toss and elected to bat. Australia won the match by 8 wickets ( Duckworth – Lewis (D/L) Method), making it their 1st time winning the ICC Champions Trophy. Shane Watson of Australia was awarded the player of the match.
How to reach:
The Brabourne Cricket Stadium is located near the populated church gate area of South Mumbai, Maharashtra, thus making it easily accessible.
- If you are planning to come via train ( Suburban Railway), then the most convenient station for you is Churchgate, on the Western line. A walking distance of a few minutes is required to reach the stadium.
- Otherwise, you can use the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), which is a major junction for the Central Line. After that, you can take a 15 to 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
Marine Lines Station is also a good option.
- If you are planning to come to the stadium by bus, you have plenty of options. Many Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus routes pass near the stadium. You can get down near the stop Mantralaya or the Cricket Club of India (CCI).
- Another good option is a taxi ride or a cab, or if you have a personal car. The stadium is located near the Churchgate area, along Marine Drive, which is easily accessible.
Also read:- Indian National Cricket Team
Conclusion
The Brabourne Stadium is very elegant and has beautiful architectural designs, designed by Neville de Mello. It continues to have a special place in the hearts of cricket fans all over India and is a famous landmark in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
