Playing at the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world is every cricket fan’s dream to play in those stadiums or cheer for their favorite team. Several stadiums in the world are beautiful, but only a few are natural beauties, not because of the stadium’s construction, but because of the surrounding environment.
From the noise of the Melbourne Cricket Ground to the serenity of Queenstown, from the fortress feel of Lord’s Cricket Ground in London to the stunning coastal charm of the Galle International Stadium, these are the venues every cricket enthusiast dreams of visiting.
Let’s explore the most beautiful cricket stadium in the world, and here, let’s check out the top 10 cricket grounds in the world.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Cricket Stadiums in the World
1. HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala, India
Any cricket fan or cricketer who went or played at the Dharamshala cricket stadium is going to accept that it is the most beautiful stadium in the world right now, as in the background, you are going to see the Dhauladhar hill range of the Himalayas, which is covered in snow, which makes the scenery breathtaking for anyone.
The Dharamshala town itself is beautiful, and since it was reconstructed for the international matches, the stadium’s capacity has increased to 21,200. However, it was established back in 2003, and the first ever match played here was in January 2013 between India and England. It is a home ground for the Punjab Kings.
2. Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa
Few stadiums can rival Newlands in terms of scenic settings. Nestled beneath Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, this ground blends city life with raw natural beauty. Even after the reconstruction, the Newlands cricket ground remains the best in South Africa, and it is also one of the few grounds that favor spinners.
The Oak trees and the mountain view on the side make it look beautiful, and the greenery around the mountain makes it appear as if the stadium is carved into the jungle mountain. As one side of the stadium is covered by a hill, the shorter mountain range side creates high pressure, allowing the breeze to flow and giving the bowlers an advantage.
3. Queenstown Events Centre, New Zealand
New Zealand itself is one of the top three most beautiful countries. No matter where you go in New Zealand, you will love the surroundings. The Queenstown Events Centre, also known as the cricket ground, is a multi-purpose facility, which is why it is called the Queenstown Events Centre.
The cricket ground in Queenstown is magnificent, as it’s open from all sides except where the dressing rooms and commentary box are located. The great thing about this stadium is that it is located near Lake Wakatipu, also known as John Davies Oval, or Davies Park.
The ground is curated in the farmland, and you can see mountains everywhere, as well as the amazing sky with no tall buildings surrounding the scenery. The weather of the ground stays cloudy and very cold, and it is a dreamland for the fast bowlers. The first international match was between New Zealand and India on January 4, 2003, but it was not opted for as a Test cricket match due to the low facilities.
4. Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka
The Galle Stadium is special. On the Indian Ocean, with the old Dutch Fort looming above it in the distance, it’s one of the few cricket grounds in the world where players can spot waves breaking as they play. For spectators also, this is cricket with a view, and it’s half about the view and half about the game.
5. Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, England
Famous as the “Home of Cricket,” Lord’s Cricket Ground is a perfect blend of a glorious past and timeless elegance. Founded in 1814, it is among the oldest stadiums still in use. The beautiful red-brick pavilion, the state-of-the-art Media Centre, and the lively atmosphere of London combine to create the perfect blend of tradition and first-class facilities.
Lord’s has hosted some of cricket’s most iconic games, including World Cup finals and the Ashes series, and is a world-famous stadium, both in terms of its appearance and heritage.
6. Bellerive Oval, Hobart, Australia
Hobart’s Bellerive Oval is not the largest stadium, but it has its appeal in the area. The River Derwent lines one side of the ground, and rolling hills face the other, giving it an open and inviting atmosphere.
Australia’s Test matches hosted there acquire a laid-back yet picturesque feel, a sharp contrast to the intensity-packed atmosphere of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. For cricket enthusiasts who appreciate atmosphere on a grand scale, Bellerive is a treasure.
7. Arnos Vale Stadium, St. Vincent
Caribbean cricket fields always add a touch of flair, and Arnos Vale is no different. Tropical foliage, bright stands, and enthusiastic crowds make this ground unique. In its bright island surroundings, Arnos Vale is more of a party than a sporting ground. The fans have been known to call it one of the prettiest cricket grounds in the world, with its scenic surroundings and party atmosphere.
8. Grange Cricket Club, Edinburgh, Scotland
Hidden away in the city of Edinburgh, the Grange offers a distinct country feel. Ringed by rolling hills and historic buildings, this ground provides a peaceful, natural environment for cricket. Although perhaps not as much of a venue for international games as Eden Gardens or the MCG, it has its own unique beauty that will attract purists and visiting supporters.
9. The Oval, London, England
The Oval cricket ground is the second-oldest ground in the world, and alongside Lord’s, it is named as one of the places where cricket began taking its shape. The name “Oval” was given to the stadium, which is the base of the place. However, the construction and the ground shape also give an oval vibe, which complements the grounds and the place name well.
The Oval ground had some of the most iconic matches, like England’s one-wicket win in 1902 against Australia and Don Bradman’s outstanding 244 runs innings. In 1845, it was constructed with a seating capacity of 27,500. It holds its true history and boasts a fantastic, lush green outfield with a stunning city view.
10. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India
Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, formerly known as Motera Stadium, is the largest stadium in the world, boasting a staggering seating capacity of 132,000. Originally built in 1982 as Sardar Patel Stadium, it was redeveloped in 2020 into a modern marvel with LED lighting, massive stands, and international-standard amenities.
It has already hosted one ICC 2023 World Cup final between India and Australia, as well as three IPL finals, making it a great stadium already.
Which Is the Most Beautiful Cricket Stadium in India?
India boasts some of the most legendary grounds, such as Eden Gardens, Wankhede Stadium, and DY Patil Stadium, which are the homes of the Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. But for pure natural charm, the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is the winner. Nestled high up in Himachal Pradesh, with a breathtaking mountain range behind it, it provides an experience that is unmatched by any other Indian cricket stadium.
Are There Any Upcoming Stadiums Known for Their Beauty?
Cricket is expanding into new regions, and with it come stadiums praised for design and innovation:
- Varanasi International Cricket Stadium, India – With a base capacity of 30,000 (expandable to 40,000), this venue is designed as a cultural symbol. Inspired by Lord Shiva, the concept features trident-shaped floodlights, ghat-style seating, and roof designs that reflect temple architecture. Surrounded by the heritage of Varanasi, it promises to be one of the most unique and beautiful cricket stadiums in India.
- Jaffna International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka – Planned for around 40,000 spectators, this stadium is being built on Mandaitivu Island. Its concept blends modern design with island scenery, complete with floodlights to host day and night matches. The aesthetic focus is on open views and a coastal vibe, creating a picturesque cricket ground that complements Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, much like the iconic Galle Stadium.
- Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium, Jaipur (India) – With a capacity of 75,000, this will be one of the largest stadiums in the world. The concept emphasizes a modern, bowl-shaped design with vast stands and world-class facilities, while also capturing Rajasthan’s vibrant cultural energy. Built on open land outside Jaipur, the stadium’s scale and design are set to make it a stunning venue for Indian Premier League matches and international cricket alike.
Cricket’s glory lies not only in centuries and wickets, but also in stadiums that evoke strong emotions. Every stadium, from the massive Narendra Modi Stadium in India to the charming Newlands in Cape Town, has a tale to tell.
These grounds are more than just stadiums to cricket fans and cricket couch potatoes; they are experiences. Add these breathtaking cricket grounds to your travel itinerary if you’re a gamer. World cricket is as much a showcase for the stadiums as it is for the players who play there.
Which one is your favorite stadium that you feel is the most beautiful? Comment down which one is your favorite.
FAQs
A. Opinions vary, but HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, and The Lord’s in England are often called the most beautiful cricket stadiums for Test matches.
A. Yes, Factors like elevation in Dharamshala, sea breeze in Galle, or long daylight in England can influence matches. Natural beauty may relax players, but conditions often shape the game.
A. Definitely, Lord’s Cricket Ground in London offers guided tours, Eden Gardens is part of Kolkata’s cultural tours, and many Indian stadiums like Wankhede and DY Patil also host football and concerts, making them must-visit venues even without cricket.