Barabati Stadium is a name that resonates with every sports enthusiast in Odisha. Located in the heart of Cuttack city, this iconic stadium has been the pride of Odisha for over six decades. Established in 1958, it is the oldest stadium in the state and one of the oldest in India. The stadium has been a witness to some of the most memorable moments in Indian sports history.
The Early Days
The story of Barabati Stadium began in the late 1950s when the Odisha Olympic Association decided to build a multi-purpose sports venue in Cuttack. The construction work started in 1958, and the stadium was inaugurated in the same year. Initially, the stadium had a capacity of around 30,000 spectators.
In the early days, the stadium primarily hosted football matches. It was the home ground of the Odisha football team, which participated in the Santosh Trophy, the premier football tournament in India. The stadium also hosted various other tournaments, including the Odisha First Division League.
The Rise of Cricket
While football was the main sport played at Barabati Stadium in the early years, cricket gradually started gaining popularity in Odisha. The stadium hosted its first cricket match in 1962 when the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) team from England played against the Odisha cricket team.
However, it was in the 1980s that Barabati Stadium truly emerged as a major cricketing venue. The stadium hosted its first One Day International (ODI) match on January 27, 1982, between India and England. The match was a historic one as it was only the third ODI to be played in India. The Indian team, led by the legendary Kapil Dev, won the match by five wickets.
The success of the ODI match paved the way for more international matches at Barabati Stadium. In 1987, the stadium hosted its first-ever Test match between India and Sri Lanka. The match was memorable for several reasons. It was the debut Test match for the Sri Lankan team, and it also saw Indian batsman Dilip Vengsarkar score his highest Test score of 166 runs.
Over the years, Barabati Stadium has hosted numerous international cricket matches, including matches during the 1987 and 1996 Cricket World Cups. The stadium has been a regular venue for ODI matches and has hosted some memorable encounters between India and other top cricketing nations.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Barabati Stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to keep pace with the changing times. Today, the stadium boasts of state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure that make it one of the best sports venues in India.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 45,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in eastern India. The stands are well-designed and offer excellent views of the playing field from every corner.
One of the unique features of Barabati Stadium is the Sachin Tendulkar Hall, which was inaugurated in 2012. The hall is a museum dedicated to the life and achievements of the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. It houses various memorabilia, including bats, jerseys, and photographs of Tendulkar’s illustrious career.
The stadium is equipped with floodlights, which enable day-night matches to be played. The floodlights were installed in 1997, and since then, the stadium has hosted several day-night matches, including IPL matches.
The pitch at Barabati Stadium has always been known for its sporting nature. It offers a good balance between bat and ball, making for exciting contests. The outfield is also well-maintained and allows for fast scoring.
Memorable Moments
Over the years, Barabati Stadium has been the venue for some unforgettable moments in Indian sports history. Here are a few of them:
- Kapil Dev’s 300th Test wicket: In the 1987 Test match against Sri Lanka, Indian pacer Kapil Dev became the first bowler to take 300 Test wickets when he dismissed Rumesh Ratnayake. It was a historic moment for Indian cricket, and Barabati Stadium will always be remembered as the venue where it happened.
- Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th international century: In 2012, Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th international century in an ODI match against Bangladesh at Barabati Stadium. It was a momentous occasion for Indian cricket, and the stadium erupted in joy as Tendulkar reached the milestone.
- Virender Sehwag’s 219 runs: In 2011, Indian opener Virender Sehwag scored a stunning 219 runs off just 149 balls in an ODI match against the West Indies at Barabati Stadium. It was the highest individual score in ODI cricket at that time and a testament to Sehwag’s incredible batting prowess.
- Santosh Trophy triumph: In 2012, Barabati Stadium hosted the final of the Santosh Trophy football tournament. The Services team emerged victorious, defeating the Railways team in a closely contested match. It was a proud moment for Odisha, as the state successfully hosted the prestigious tournament.
Records and Stats
Barabati Stadium has been the venue for some incredible performances over the years. Here are some of the records and stats associated with the stadium:
Test matches
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Highest team score | India (400 all out against Sri Lanka in 1987) |
| Lowest team score | Sri Lanka (142 all out against India in 1987) |
| Best batting performance | Dilip Vengsarkar (166 runs against Sri Lanka in 1987) |
| Best bowling performance | Narendra Hirwani (6/59 against New Zealand in 1995) |
ODI matches
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Highest team score | India (381/6 against England in 2017) |
| Lowest team score | West Indies (113 all out against Australia in 2006) |
| Best batting performance | Virender Sehwag (219 runs against West Indies in 2011) |
| Best bowling performance | Daren Powell (4/27 against India in 2007) |
Conclusion
Barabati Stadium is not just a sports venue; it is an integral part of Odisha’s cultural heritage. It has been the site of some of the most memorable moments in Indian sports history and has played a significant role in promoting sports in the state.
As the oldest stadium in Odisha, Barabati Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of sports lovers in the state. It has been a witness to the rise of cricket in Odisha and has hosted some of the biggest names in world cricket.
Today, Barabati Stadium stands as a symbol of Odisha’s rich sporting legacy. With its modern facilities and infrastructure, it is well-equipped to host international matches and tournaments. The stadium’s iconic status is a testament to the passion and dedication of the people of Odisha towards sports.
As we look back at the glorious history of Barabati Stadium, we can only imagine what the future holds for this iconic venue. One thing is for sure – Barabati Stadium will continue to be the pride of Odisha and a beacon of hope for aspiring sportspersons in the state.
So, the next time you visit Cuttack, make sure to take a trip down memory lane and visit Barabati Stadium. Who knows, you might just be lucky enough to witness history being created at this iconic venue!
