With the COVID-19 cases inside the bio-bubble on a rise, the BCCI decided to indefinitely suspend the Indian T20 League 2021. As things stand, the BCCI cannot consider hosting the tournament outside of India, meaning that Mumbai, which was being looked as an option to host the rest of the tournament before the suspension, still remains a viable option whenever the competition resumes.
That being said, here we look at all the cricket stadiums in Mumbai if the city is to host the Indian T20 League 2021.
Wankhede Stadium
It was built in 1975 after the then Bombay Cricket Association ran into disputes with the neighbouring Cricket Club of India and decided to have a venue of its own. It was redeveloped ahead of the 2011 World Cup with capacity trimmed to around 33,000. Most famous for MS Dhoni’s winning six that gave India its second ODI World Cup trophy, it is also the ground where Ravi Shastri hit six successive sixes in a Ranji Trophy game in 1984-85. It is the most iconic cricket stadium in Mumbai.
Brabourne Stadium (CCI)
The historic venue opened in 1937 and was Bombay’s main international ground until its neighbour took over. It has since seen sporadic international cricket, such as the 2009 Test match against Sri Lanka (which gave us Virender Sehwag’s epic 293) and the 2013 Women’s World Cup. It also hosted the 2010 IPL as Wankhede was undergoing redevelopment, and continues to serve as an occasional practice venue for major visiting teams. It is a heritage structure, with an art deco pavilion.
DY Patil Stadium
A multi-purpose stadium in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, the ground has hosted the 2008 and 2010 Indian T20 League finals as well as the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. It was inaugurated in 2008 and can seat around 55,000 spectators. It also has a cantilever roof, which rules out the need for columns and provides an uninterrupted view to fans. It also hosts the annual DY Patil Cup, one of the oldest T20 tournaments in the country that sees even Team India players participating regularly.
MCA BKC Ground
The Mumbai Cricket Association’s ground at the Bandra-Kurla Complex is a lovely venue to watch the game with its largely open perimeter surrounded by trees. There is also a grass bank, a rarity at cricket grounds in India. It also houses the MCA’s indoor academy, where players across age groups train. It hosts Ranji and age-group matches and has also hosted women’s international games. While it is not an ideal venue in terms of broadcast friendliness, it is a beautiful place to practice at.
There are a few other cricket venues in Mumbai such as the MCA’s Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana Ground in Kandivali, the MIG Club ground in Bandra and of course, the three iconic maidans: Azad, Cross and Oval.
Featured photo: IPL/BCCI
