News Nation Logo

From Antigua's Vivian Richards Stadium to Lord’s in London, five international stadiums named after famous cricketers

West Indies Considered The Powerhouse Of International Cricket In The 80s And 90s Named One Of Their Stadiums In Antigua In Honor Of Vivian Richards.

News Nation Bureau | Edited By : Gautam Lalotra | Updated on: 31 Oct 2017, 12:17:51 PM
Cricket Stadium - File Photo

New Delhi:

Sportsmen across the world are generally considered as brand ambassadors of their countries bringing laurels to them on the sporting field and a select few go on to become legends of their game.

In cricket-crazy India, cricketers enjoy a special connection with the fans and they are referred to as demigods. The cricket boards across nations have honored their stalwarts by naming stadiums or venues after them. India has always led front from the front in recognizing Indian cricketers service to the country by honouring their feats.

'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar has a stand named after him at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium and Saurav Ganguly has a stand after him at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Continuing with that tradition, the Delhi and District Association (DDCA) named Feroz Shah Kotla's Gate No. 1 in honor of one of India's greatest opener Virender Sehwag. This comes in as a big recognition for 'Viru' who has been considered as arguably one of most destructive batsman world cricket ever witnessed. As a matter of fact, just a few days back, a stadium in the United States of America was named after 'Little Master' Sunil Gavaskar.

The Feroz Shah Kotla shall be playing host to one of Delhi's greatest cricketer Ashish Nehra's final international match on Wednesday. The Delhi seamer has decided to call it quits after playing for the country for almost two decades.

So here is a list of stadiums named after some famous international cricketers

Sir Viv Richards Stadium (North Sound, Antigua)

West Indies considered the powerhouse of international cricket in the 80s and 90s named one of their stadiums in Antigua in honor of Vivian Richards.

The Windies inaugurated and renovated a couple of their stadiums before hosting the ICC World Cup 2007. In honour of the legendary Sir Viv Richards, a stadium was inaugurated in North Sound, Antigua. However, in 2009, a Test match between England and West Indies was abandoned due to the patchy outfield, deemed dangerous for bowlers to run on. Only 10 balls were bowled in that match.

The stadium has become a regular venue in international cricket since that incident and hosted matches on a regular basis.

Brain Lara Stadium (Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago)

Brian Lara considered as one of West Indies greatest exponents with the willow has a stadium named after him. The Windies honoured the batting genius by naming one of the cricket stadiums in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobbago after Brain Lara. However, the stadium is still not fully ready for international cricket and is yet to make its international debut. There is a playing field and a few stands, but it is yet to host games.

Bert Sutcliffe Oval (Lincoln, New Zealand)

Set in the city of Lincoln, the Bert Sutcliffe Oval is a picturesque ground that is known for hosting the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2010. In 2014, it also made its One-Day International (ODI) debut with the World Cup Qualifiers being staged in New Zealand. Sutcliffe was one of New Zealand’s earliest greats, who represented them in 42 Tests from 1947 to 1965.

Lord’s (London, England)

Lords çricket ground considered as the Mecca of cricket is named after Sir Thomas Lord who was English First-Class cricketer. The ground at London’s St. Johns Wood has become one of the most historic venues in international cricket.

Vizzy Stadium (Vizianagram, India)

Vizzy was one of the most controversial figures in Indian cricket. Perhaps one of the most undeserving Test cricketers, he captained India on the tour to England in 1936. Off the field, Vizzy’s largesse benefited Indian cricket. In his hometown of Vizianagram, a ground is named after him, which hosts First-Class matches.

For all the Latest Sports News News, Cricket News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.

First Published : 31 Oct 2017, 12:15:33 PM

Videos