The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the biggest and most celebrated cricket tournaments in the world, attracting massive support from fans across the globe. The stadiums are filled to the brim for every match, with ticket prices soaring high as fans eagerly clamor for a chance to witness the action live.
However, if there is one team and one venue that stands out from the rest in terms of the sheer love, support, and thunderous cheers from fans, it is the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk.
During CSK’s home games, the iconic stadium transforms into a sea of yellow, with supporters adorned in the team’s vibrant colors, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
The MA Chidambaram Stadium holds a special place in Indian cricket history, as it is one of the oldest and most revered cricket grounds in the country.
Steeped in tradition and legacy, this venue has witnessed countless victories and memorable moments for both the Indian national team and the city of Chennai over the years.
The ground’s rich history and the unwavering passion of CSK’s fans have combined to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience during IPL matches.
The roar of the crowd, the sea of yellow, and the electric atmosphere make the MA Chidambaram Stadium a sacred temple of cricket, where the game’s spirit and the devotion of its followers converge in perfect harmony.
About MA Chidambaram Cricket Ground:
The iconic Chennai stadium, located in the heart of Chepauk, is situated just a few hundred meters away from the Marina Beach, which holds the distinction of being the second-longest beach in the world.
This historic venue, known as the Chepuk Ground, stands tall as the second-oldest cricket stadium in India, second only to the legendary Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
With its roots tracing back to the mid-19th century, the Chepauk Ground was once part of the illustrious Chepauk Palace, which was acquired by the Madras Presidency in 1859.
In 1865, the Madras Cricket Club erected a pavilion on the ground, and this cricket venue initially gained recognition as the Madras Cricket Club Ground. While this name remained for some time, it was later renamed after a former BCCI President, M. A. Chidambaram, earning its current moniker – the M. A. Chidambaram Cricket Stadium.
The Chepuk Ground etched its name in the annals of Indian cricket history when it witnessed India’s first-ever triumph in a Test match against the formidable England team in 1952, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s cricketing prowess.
MA Chidambaram Chennai Cricket Stadium Size, Capacity and Boundary Length
The Chennai Cricket Ground, also known as the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, is a middle-sized stadium with boundaries that are not exceptionally long. The combination of a slow, bowling-friendly pitch and relatively shorter boundaries create an intriguing contest between the bat and the ball.
The ground is oval-shaped, with the boundaries towards the leg side and off side being slightly longer than those down the ground and behind the wicket-keeper.
Offside: 69 meters
Onside: 69 meters
Straight: 66 meters
The official stadium capacity of the M.A. Chidambaram ground has undergone several changes over the past decade. In 2010, a major facelift of the venue commenced, costing over INR-170 crore ($20 million). The renovation, completed in 2011, transformed the stadium into a modern marvel with three new stands (I, J, K) and a capacity of 51,000.
However, in 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that part of the renovation violated safety regulations, leading to the sealing of Stands I, J, and K until March 2020, when they were finally reopened.
Recent changes in December 2021 saw the demolition of the old Anna pavilion and MCC clubhouse to make way for a new pavilion, reducing the capacity of the ground to 30,000.
The latest renovation of the stadium, completed before the 2023 edition of the IPL, includes a new stand named after former Tamil Nadu CM M. Karunanidhi, along with an indoor training facility. The current capacity of the stadium stands at around 33,500 spectators.
MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium is renowned for its spin-friendly cricket pitch. The dry and dusty surface becomes increasingly challenging for batters as the match progresses, making it advantageous to bat first. However, recent pitch preparations have faced criticism for heavily favoring bowlers, forcing batsmen to hone their techniques against the demanding spin conditions.
Additionally, the Chepuk Cricket Ground is known for its intense heat and humidity. Being located in the southern part of India and in close proximity to the sea, the stadium experiences sweltering temperatures and high levels of humidity. Enduring the scorching sun during test matches can be a daunting task for players.
MA Chidambaram Stadium Chennai Ticket Price IPL 2024
As the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai gears up to host more matches after the World Cup, ticket prices remain a focal point. International match tickets generally start from ₹1,500 and can soar into five-digit figures, with fans anticipating potential changes due to GST implementation.
Understanding the stadium layout and stand options is crucial for visitors. Ticket bookings typically open a few weeks before each match, allowing ample time for fans to secure their desired seats at this historic and atmospheric venue.
| Stand Type | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| C/D/E Lower Stand | 1500 |
| I/J/K Upper Stand | 2000 |
| I/J/K Lower Stand | 2500 |
| D/E Upper Stand | 3000 |
MA Chidambaram Stadium Records:
:Here are the record stats from every format of cricket played at MA Chidambaram Chennai.
MA Chidambaram Test Records:
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 34 |
| Highest Individual Score | 319 by V Sehwag (India) on 26/03/2008 vs. South Africa |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 8/55 by M H Mankad (India) on 06/02/1952 vs. England |
| Best Bowling (Match) | 16/136 by N D Hirwani (India) on 11/01/1988 vs. West Indies |
| Highest Team Total | 759/7 dec by India on 16/12/2016 vs. England |
| Highest Run Scorer at the Ground | Sunil Gavaskar 1018 Runs at an average of 59.88 |
| Highest Wicket Taker at the Ground | Anil Kumble with 48 wickets. |
MA Chidambaram T20I Records:
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 2 |
| Highest Individual Score | 92 by S Dhawan (India) on 11/11/2018 vs. West Indies |
| Best Bowling Figures | 3/31 by I K Pathan (India) on 11/09/2012 vs. New Zealand |
| Highest Team Total | 182/4 by India on 11/11/2018 vs. West Indies |
MA Chidambaram ODI Records:
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| ODI Matches Played | 28 |
| Highest Team Total | 337/7 by ACC Asian XI on 09/06/2007 vs ACA Africa XI |
| Highest Individual Innings | 194 by Saeed Anwar (Pakistan) on 21/05/1997 vs India |
| Best Bowling | 5/51 by R Rampaul (West Indies) on 20/03/2011 vs India |
| Highest Run Scorer at the Ground | Virat Kohli (422 runs) at a batting average of 46.89 |
| Highest Wicket Taker at the Ground | Mohammad Rafique from Bangladesh with 8 Wickets. |
MA Chidambaram IPL Records:
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Highest Innings Totals | |
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 246 vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2010 |
| All-Time Leading Run Scorers | |
| Suresh Raina (CSK) | 1506 runs |
| All-Time Leading Wicket-Taker | |
| Ravichandran Ashwin (CSK) | 48 wickets |
| Highest Individual Scores | |
| Shane Watson | 101 vs CSK in 2013 |
| Best Bowling Figures | |
| Andre Russell | 5 for 15 vs Mumbai Indians in 2021 |
