Sardar Patel Stadium        

Motera,
Ahmedabad, India

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Built on the banks of the Sabarmati river on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, the Sardar Patel Stadium is an imposing structure which can accommodate about 48,000 spectators. The stadium was built on a 50-acre land donated by the state government, and took only nine months for its completion.

However, it is a far from welcome location for touring sides and was described by Scyld Berry in 2006 as "without doubt the most unpopular venue on the whole international cricket circuit. The stadium has been run down for years, the state of Gujarat is 'dry', the city is as polluted as they come, the river Sabarmati an open drain."

Also known as the Motera, after the place where it is located, the venue hosted its first Test in November 1983 and has been witness to some memorable Indian feats - Sunil Gavaskar got to his 10,000 Test runs here, against Pakistan in 1986-87, and seven years later, Kapil Dev nailed his 432nd victim to go past Richard Hadlee as Test cricket's leading wicket-taker. The pitch here used to aid bowlers - three of the first four Tests produced results - but of late the track has played slow and low, aiding neither the bowlers nor the strokeplayers. As a result, draws have become the norm.
Cricinfo staff

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Latest Photos

Sep 21, 2009

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi visits the Sardar Patel Stadium
© AFP

Oct 27, 2006

A general view of England's net session at Ahmedabad
© Getty Images

Oct 27, 2006

Organisers denied that they have struggled to sell seats for the tournament
© Getty Images

Oct 2006

Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad
© AFP

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