Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Explained

Ground Name:Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium
Nickname:MCA Stadium
MCA International Stadium[1]
Country:India
Location:Gahunje, Pune
Establishment:2012[2]
Seating Capacity:42,700[3]
Owner:Maharashtra Cricket Association
Operator:Maharashtra Cricket Association
Architect:Michael Hopkins, Hopkins Architects[4]
Tenants:India cricket team
India women's cricket team
Pune Warriors India (2012–2013)
Kings XI Punjab (2015)
Rising Pune Supergiant (2016–2017)
Chennai Super Kings (2018-2019)
End1:Pavilion End
End2:Hill End
International:true
Firsttestdate:23–25 February
Firsttestyear:2017
Firsttesthome:India
Firsttestaway:Australia
Lasttestdate:10–13 October
Lasttestyear:2019
Lasttesthome:India
Lasttestaway:South Africa
Firstodidate:13 October
Firstodiyearlastt20ihome:2013
Firstodihome:India
Firstodiaway:Australia
Lastodidate:11 November
Lastodiyear:2023
Lastodihome:Bangladesh
Lastodiaway:Australia
Firstt20idate:20 December
Firstt20iyear:2012
Firstt20ihome:India
Firstt20iaway:England
Lastt20idate:5 January
Lastt20iyear:2023
Lastt20ihome:India
Lastt20iaway:Sri Lanka
Surface:Bermuda grass
Date:5 January
Year:2023
Source:http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/ground/545380.html Ground Info
Establishevbvvd:2011[5]
Contractor:M/S Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Ltd[6]
Othernames:MCA international cricket stadium
Gahunje Stadium[7]

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium is an international cricket stadium in Pune, Maharashtra, India.[8] It is owned and operated by the Maharashtra Cricket Association.[9]

It is the home ground of the Maharashtra cricket team and Maharashtra women's cricket team, it is the headquarters of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA). The stadium is situated on the outskirts of city limit of Pune in Gahunje village near Mumbai–Pune Expressway.[10] It is one of the premier stadiums of the country. Before its existence, Nehru Stadium of downtown Pune was the home ground of the Maharashtra Cricket team and venue for international matches organised by MCA.[11]

MCA stadium was designed by Michael Hopkins of Hopkins architects. Its seating capacity is 42,700.[12] Arena's shape is like a deep bowl.[13] [14] The venue hosted its first international match in December 2012. Its ground's shape is round, with Bermuda grass surface. The ground has high-tech pop-up sprinklers.[15] Its final phase of construction is still yet to be completed.[14] The stadium's 75% seating area still does not have a roof.[16] It has floodlights to organise games at night.[17]

On 1 April 2012, then ICC president Sharad Pawar inaugurated the MCA stadium.[2] [18] The arena hosted its first first class match in December 2011, when Himachal Pradesh played against home side Maharashtra cricket team in 2011-12 Ranji trophy edition, hosted first IPL game (Pune Warriors v King's XI Punjab) in April 2012. MCA stadium hosted its first T20I match in December 2012 (between India-England) and first Test in February 2017.[19]

The arena hosted 5 games of 2023 ICC World Cup including the India – Bangladesh game.

History

Background

thumb|left|Outside view of this arena at nightThe MCA's decision to build a new Cricket stadium in Pune stemmed from a dispute with the Pune Municipal Corporation, regarding ticket allocations for Nehru Stadium. This conflict came to a head when an international match between India and Sri Lanka was moved to Kolkata, with the MCA stating they were in no position to host the match. Following this, the MCA decided a new stadium was needed.

Construction

The groundbreaking ceremony was performed on the construction site on 21 October 2007 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sharad Pawar. MCA granted the contract to construct the first phase of the construction to Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Ltd in November 2009. The construction work started on 14 November 2007.[20] The stadium is designed by British architect Sir Michael Hopkins of Hopkins Architects, who also credited to designed Lord's mount stand and Ages bowl stadium of Southampton, England. The project's original deadline was November 2010 with cost of ₹ 1.50 billion, covering an area of 35acres. The construction of the stadium was held from 2010 to 2012, it faced various problems before complition in December 2011. Although it's claimed that major part of the stadium is built, the final phase of the construction is still yet to complete, 75% stands do not have roof and final phase of building is yet to started as of September 2023.[11] Maharashtra Cricket Association intended to host matches of 2011 World Cup, due to construction delayed, it was not able to do that.

The stadium and the seating arrangement were designed in such a way that an unobstructed view is assured from each location.The most important feature of this stadium is its rainwater drainage system. Often, matches are abandoned due to heavy downpour to overcome this problem, MCA opted for a sand-based outfield developed departmentally with technical assistance from STRI Limited, UK. Due to this technology, even during heavy showers, water on the outfield drains out fast, making it ready for play again just in few minutes.Zeolite supplied by G M Chemicals are used for Turf management.[21]

It was inaugurated in a ceremony by the then ICC President and nation's Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on 1 April 2012. Maharashtra's chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, deputy CM Ajit Pawar was invited.[22]

In 2013, the Indian company Sahara India Pariwar bought the naming rights of the stadium, by virtue it was renamed as "Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium". However, the name was changed back to the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium because Sahara paid only a part of the ₹ 200 crore that it had promised when acquiring the rights.[23]

Began hosting games

Before official inauguration, the stadium hosted a Ranji trophy match between Himachal Pradesh- Maharashtra on 21 December 2011 and some practice games.[11] In November 2015, the stadium was selected as the new Test venue of the country.[24] It hosted its first Test match in February 2017, it was the 1st match of the four match series, Steve Smith became first batter to score a test century in the stadium, Steve O'Keefe took six wickets in each inning, Australia won by 333 runs.[25]

In the 2010s, it served as the home ground for Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant and Chennai Super Kings in different time.

In 2015 IPL, Punjab Kings decided to move out of Mohali due to lukewarm spectator response at their primary home ground. Following the decision three home games were played at Pune.In 2018 IPL, due to members of some political parties protested outside the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, political parties of Chennai demanded the IPL matches to be moved out of the city until the Cauvery Management Board was set up as directed by the honourable Supreme Court of India. Additionally Chennai police expressed that they are unable to provide stadium sequrity. Chennai Super Kings relocated its remaining games to MCA stadium.[26]

On 28 March 2021, MCA hosted its 50th game.[11]

Controversy

In 2017, Indian TV network India Today exposed this stadium's official pitch curator Salgaonkar in a sting operation. The network alleged Salgaonkar for malpractice before India vs New Zealand ODI match of New Zealand tour of India. In response to that Mahrashtra Cricket Association sacked Salgaonkar from the job. According to cricket.com.au', the pitch curator showed batting pitch to the men around the Pune, which is clear breach of the ICC rule governing access to the Cricket pitch in international cricket matches.[27] The second ODI went ahead on schedule after the pitch had been inspected by match referee Chris Broad. The India Today footage of Salgaonkar speaking with a reporter, who was posing as a bookmaker, was broadcast a few hours before the match.[28] India Today alleged that Salgaonkar shared information about the wicket to their undercover reporter about possible scores and Salgaonkar was ready to tamper wicket for bounce. As per India Today their undercover reporter accompanied by Salgaonkar was permitted to tap, walk, and stamp on the pitch. The curator guaranteed to doctor the pitch according to demand.[29]

Salgaonkar was suspended for 6 months from the curator position by BCCI and ICC, after that he returned on the job at MCA as curator.[30]

In 2017, the pitch used for the first test of India vs Australia series was rated poor by ICC match referee Chris Broad in his match report.[31]

In 2018 Bombay High court restricted Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) from using Pavana river water for the maintenance of this stadium's ground. The court gave this verdict in response to a Public interest litigation field by a NGO, Loksatta movement. Maharashtra government granted the permission to use the water of Pavana river for industrial purpose to MCA. The judges of Bombay High court said that, "We are shocked to note that for a period of six years, the state government has allowed the MCA to draw water from the Pavana river for industrial purposes when admittedly the MCA is not running any industry. The water is being used for the stadium" and to do so was illegal.[32]

Domestic cricket

The arena has hosted many domestic tournaments such as Ranji trophy, IPL and Women's T20 Challenge etc. In December 2011 the MCA stadium hosted its first first class match, when Himachal Pradesh played against home team Maharashtra in 2011-12 Ranji trophy. In 2023 it hosted the inaugural season of the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL). The league has 6 teams, Maharashtra Cricket Association organise it.[33] In January 2016, the stadium hosted Ranji trophy final.[34] It hosted the first semifinal of 2017-18 Ranji between Delhi and Bengal, Delhi won the game by an innig and 26 runs.[35] Before the venue was built, Neharu stadium in downtown hosted the domestic tournaments. 1930s-1990s Deccan Gymkhana Ground has hosted many first-class matches in the city. National Defence Academy's ground in Khadakwasala has also hosted first class games in the city.[36] [37] After inauguration in 2012, MCA stadium served as home venue of IPL franchise Sahara Pune Warriors. The arena also was allocated as home ground of Chennai Super Kings during an IPL season. It was home ground of Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016–17.[38] The entire edition of 2022 IPL was held in Maharashtra, and as a result MCA stadium hosted a significant amount of games of it.[39]

Features

ICC World Cup matches

The Maharashtra cricket association stadium is scheduled to host 5 matches of 2023 ICC World Cup including India–Bangladesh on 19 October. It is the first time that the arena will host the world cup. It was in contention to host 2011 WC's games but was not able to do that due to construction delays. The city of Pune has hosted a game each in 1987 and 1996 World Cup between Sri Lanka–England and Kenya–West Indies respectively at the Swargate's Nehru stadium.[40]

2023 ICC World Cup

See main article: 2023 Cricket World Cup. ----------------

Statistics

One Day Internationals (ODI)

Team Records (ODI)

Highest score[41]
Score Team Opposition Year
357/42023
356/72017
350/72017
339/92023
337/42021
Lowest score[42]
Score Team Opposition Year
1672023
1792023
230/92017
2322013
2402018

Individual Records (ODI)

Most career runs[43]
Runs Player Period
551 (8 Innings) 2013–2023
305 (5 Innings) 2017–2023
280 (7 Innings) 2013–2021
234 (5 Innings) 2021–2023
219 (5 Innings) 2017–2023
Most career wickets[44]
Wickets Player Period
10 (4 Innings) 2017–2023
10 (6 Innings) 2013–2021
8 (4 Innings) 2021–2023
6 (3 Innings) 2021–2021
6 (4 Innings) 2017–2023

List of centuries

Key

Test centuries

No. Score Player Team Balls Inns. Opposing team Date Result
1 109 202 3 23 February 2017 Won[45]
2 108 195 1 10 October 2019 Won[46]
3 254* 336 1 10 October 2019 Won

One Day Internationals

No. Score Player Team Balls Inns. Opposing team Date Result
1 122 Virat Kohli 105 2 15 January 2017 Won[47]
2 120 76 2 15 January 2017 Won
3 107 Virat Kohli 119 2 27 October 2018 Lost[48]
4 108 114 1 26 March 2021 Lost[49]
5 124 112 2 26 March 2021 Won
6 Virat Kohli 97 2 19 October 2023 Won[50]
7 114 116 1 1 November 2023 Won[51]
8 133 118 1 1 November 2023 Won
9 108 84 1 8 November 2023 Won[52]
10 132 2 11 November 2023 Won[53]

List of five wicket hauls

Key

SymbolMeaning
The bowler was man of the match
10 or more wickets taken in the match
§One of two five-wicket hauls by the bowler in the match
DateDay the Test started or ODI was held
InnInnings in which five-wicket haul was taken
OversNumber of overs bowled.
RunsNumber of runs conceded
WktsNumber of wickets taken
EconRuns conceded per over
BatsmenBatsmen whose wickets were taken
DrawnThe match was drawn.

Tests

No.BowlerDateTeamOpposing teamInnOversRunsWktsEconBatsmenResult
1 Steve O'Keefe §align=left Won
2 Steve O'Keefe §align=left Won

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cricket World Cup 2023 venues: MCA International Stadium, Pune . 21 September 2023 .
  2. Web site: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune: History, Pitch Report, Average Score, ODI, T20I, Test Match, IPL Records, Stats. Cricket News – India TV. 2 April 2018.
  3. Web site: MCA's International Stadium, Gahunje. 27 March 2021.
  4. Web site: MCA Pune International Cricket Centre . Hopkins . 3 May 2012 . 26 December 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181226082257/https://www.hopkins.co.uk/projects/3/135/%20 . dead .
  5. Web site: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune details, matches, stats.
  6. http://www.cricketmaharashtra.com/MCA{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} stadium.html
  7. Web site: Maharashtra Cricket Association all set to host India-England ODIs in March. 21 February 2021.
  8. Web site: शहर होण्यासाठीची उत्सुकता. Sakal. 2021-11-13. esakal.com. 27 April 2018 .
  9. Web site: Maharashtra Cricket Association. MCA's International Stadium, Gahunje. 2021-11-12. cricketmaharashtra.com.
  10. News: Gahunje stadium awaits access road. The Times of India.
  11. Web site: MCA Stadium will reach a new milestone on Sunday. 27 March 2021.
  12. Web site: ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 – Media Guide . ICC . 19 November 2023.
  13. Web site: Chinmay Kulkarni . 31 July 2011 . Gahunje stadium awaits access road. Pune News . The Times of India . 2021-11-13 .
  14. Web site: Avinash Rajput. MCA Stadium will reach a new milestone on Sunday. 2021-11-14. Pune Mirror. 27 March 2021.
  15. Web site: Cricket World Cup 2023 venues: MCA International Stadium, Pune . 2023-09-22 . India Today. 21 September 2023 .
  16. Web site: Cricket World Cup venues to get an upgrade: Imported grass, new outfields, better floodlights . 30 June 2023 . The Indian Express. 30 June 2023 .
  17. Web site: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. India. Cricket Grounds . 2021-11-13 . ESPNcricinfo.
  18. Web site: Australia brace for tough road test on Pune's debut . 22 February 2017 . ESPNcricinfo. 22 February 2017 .
  19. Web site: 2012-03-28 . Sharad Pawar to open Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium . 2023-09-22 . The Indian Express.
  20. Web site: Maharashtra Cricket Association. MCA's International Stadium, Gahunje.
  21. Web site: MCA . 27 February 2013.
  22. News: International cricket stadium inaugurated near Pune. 2 April 2012. NDTV. 1 April 2012.
  23. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/naming-rights-tussle-sahara-stadium-to-go-by--mca--name/1167970/ Naming rights tussle: Sahara stadium to go by 'MCA' name
  24. Web site: BCCI revamps selection committee, announces new Test centres. ESPNcricinfo.
  25. Web site: AUS vs IND, IND v AUS 2016/17, 1st Test at Pune, February 23 – 25, 2017 – Full Scorecard . 2023-09-23 . ESPNcricinfo.
  26. Web site: Pune, Chennai set to be IPL 2015 venues . ESPNcricinfo. 10 February 2015.
  27. Web site: Pune curator sacked in tampering scandal. 2021-11-13. cricket.com.au.
  28. News: India v New Zealand: Groundsman sacked after TV sting tampering claims. BBC Sport . 25 October 2017.
  29. Web site: Latest News, Breaking News Today – Bollywood, Cricket, Business, Politics – IndiaToday. 2021-11-13. India Today.
  30. Web site: Redirect Notice. 2021-11-13. ESPNcricinfo. 8 October 2019 .
  31. Web site: 2017-02-28. Indian cricket and its history with poor pitches: Pune not an anomaly. 2021-11-13. Hindustan Times.
  32. News: High Court bans use of Pavana water for IPL 2018 matches in Pune. Hindustan Times.
  33. Web site: Video: 6,6,6,6,6,6,6,6,6... 16 चेंडूत 90 धावा; महाराष्ट्र प्रीमियर लीगमध्ये नाशिकच्या मुलाची कमाल . 20 June 2023 .
  34. Web site: Pune to host Ranji trophy final.... India Today. 30 December 2015 .
  35. Web site: Bengal Vs Delhi : Ranji trophy. ESPNcricinfo.
  36. Web site: Pune in ... . http://web.archive.org/web/20170226090830/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/pune-in-big-league-of-cricket-gahunje-stadium-hosts-maiden-test/articleshow/57303434.cms . dead . 2017-02-26 . The Times of India.
  37. Web site: MUM vs MAH Deccan Gymkhana ground, Pune February 16, 1935 . ESPNcricinfo.
  38. Web site: IPL 201... . ESPNcricinfo.
  39. News: IPL 2022 schedule . The Times of India. 30 May 2022 .
  40. Web site: Pune to host five ICC World Cup matches after 27 years of wait . Lokmat Times.
  41. Web site: Statistics / ODI matches / Team records / MCA Stadium / Team score. ESPNcricinfo. 10 November 2015.
  42. Web site: Statistics / odi matches / Team records / MCA Stadium / Team score (lowest). ESPNcricinfo. 10 November 2015.
  43. Web site: Statistics / Odi matches / Batting records/ MCA Stadium / Runs scored. ESPNcricinfo. 10 November 2015.
  44. Web site: Statistics / Odi matches / Bowling records/ MCA Stadium / Wickets. ESPNcricinfo. 10 November 2015.
  45. Web site: 1st Test, Australia tour of India at Pune, Feb 23-25 2017. ESPNcricinfo. 24 August 2019.
  46. Web site: 2nd Test, ICC World Test Championship at Pune, Oct 10-14 2019 . 10 October 2019 . ESPNcricinfo. 10 October 2019.
  47. Web site: 1st ODI (D/N), England tour of India at Pune, Jan 15 2017. ESPNcricinfo. 24 August 2019.
  48. Web site: 3rd ODI (D/N), West Indies tour of India at Pune, Oct 27 2018. ESPNcricinfo. 24 August 2019.
  49. Web site: 2nd ODI (D/N), Pune, Mar 26 2021, England tour of India. ESPNcricinfo. 26 March 2021.
  50. Web site: 17th Match (D/N), Pune, October 19, 2023, ICC Cricket World Cup. ESPNcricinfo. 19 October 2023.
  51. Web site: 32nd Match (D/N), Pune, November 1, 2023, ICC Cricket World Cup. ESPNcricinfo. 1 November 2023.
  52. Web site: 40th Match (D/N), Pune, November 8, 2023, ICC Cricket World Cup. ESPNcricinfo. 8 November 2023.
  53. Web site: 43rd Match (D/N), Pune, November 11, 2023, ICC Cricket World Cup. ESPNcricinfo. 11 November 2023.