Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium        

Hyderabad, Deccan

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The need for a big ground and an exclusive cricket facility necessitated the building of a cricket ground in Uppal, an eastern suburb of Hyderabad. Moreover the earlier venue - the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium - was owned by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh, giving the Hyderabad Cricket Association limited control over the ground. Stretched over 16 acres of land, the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium did away Hyderabad's reputation of being a high-scoring venue. The ground has had its share of controversy. The first came with the name, which the state government changed to honour a former Indian prime minister. The HCA had to pay out the contractors - Visaka Industries - after whom the stadium was originally named. Then, ten days before what would have been its first first-class match - between the Australians and Mumbai - the ground was deemed unfit to host a big match. But the stadium is now ready, a state-of-the-art facility, complete with floodlights installed in April 2008 in time for hosting the Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League.

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Latest Articles

• Time to pitch it right (Jan 12, 2009)
• India train their sights on South Africa (Nov 15, 2005)
• Pakistan win at a canter (Mar 30, 2005)
• Parab and Pathan help West cruise to victory (Feb 24, 2005)
• Wickets tumble as game heads into final lap (Feb 23, 2005)

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Latest Photos

Nov 5, 2009

The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium under lights
© Getty Images

Nov 15, 2005

Indian cricketers jog around the ground as a South African player looks on
© AFP

Nov 15, 2005

Sachin Tendulkar practices his fielding
© AFP

Nov 15, 2005

Suresh Raina dives for a ball
© AFP

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