Ekana Cricket Stadium, officially known as Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, is one of India’s newest international cricket venues. Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the stadium has quickly gained recognition for hosting high-profile international matches, IPL games, and domestic tournaments. Known for its balanced pitch and modern infrastructure, Ekana Stadium has become a key cricket destination in North India.
This guide covers Ekana Cricket Stadium’s history, pitch behaviour, format-wise records, memorable matches, and essential visitor information.
Ekana Cricket Stadium Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Established | 2017 |
| Seating Capacity | Approximately 50,000 |
| Home Team | Uttar Pradesh Cricket Team, Lucknow Super Giants (IPL) |
| International Matches | ODIs, T20Is |
| Pitch Nature | Balanced, slightly bowling-friendly |
History and Development of Ekana Cricket Stadium
Ekana Cricket Stadium was built as part of Uttar Pradesh’s vision to develop world-class sports infrastructure. Named in honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the venue was inaugurated in 2017.
The stadium gained global attention after hosting its first international match in 2018. Since then, it has regularly featured on India’s international calendar and has become the home ground of the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. With modern facilities, excellent drainage, and advanced turf management, Ekana Stadium meets all ICC standards.
Pitch and Playing Conditions
The Ekana Stadium pitch is known for being slower compared to traditional Indian batting tracks.
Key pitch characteristics:
- Assists spinners as the match progresses
- New ball offers help to seamers
- Batting becomes challenging on worn surfaces
- Average first-innings scores are moderate
- Chasing is not always easy, especially in T20s
Unlike high-scoring venues, Ekana often produces tactical and competitive matches.
ODI Records at Ekana Cricket Stadium
| Category | Record |
| Highest Team Total | India 337/6 vs Sri Lanka |
| Lowest Team Total | Sri Lanka 193 all out |
| First ODI Hosted | India vs West Indies, 2018 |
| Pitch Trend | Balanced with bowling assistance |
ODI matches at Ekana have generally been competitive rather than high-scoring.
T20I Records at Ekana Cricket Stadium
| Category | Details |
| Highest Team Total | India 199/2 |
| Lowest Team Total | New Zealand 101 |
| Pitch Behaviour | Slow, spin-friendly |
| Match Style | Low to medium-scoring contests |
T20I games here often reward disciplined bowling and smart batting.
IPL Records at Ekana Cricket Stadium
| Category | Record |
| Home Team | Lucknow Super Giants |
| Highest IPL Total | 235+ |
| Lowest IPL Total | Under 110 |
| Pitch Nature | Varies by match, often slow |
Ekana has produced both thrillers and low-scoring IPL matches depending on pitch preparation.
Memorable Matches at Ekana Cricket Stadium
India vs West Indies, 2018 (ODI)
The first international match at the venue, marking Ekana’s entry into global cricket.
India vs New Zealand, 2023 (T20I)
A low-scoring thriller where spinners dominated the game.
LSG vs CSK, IPL 2023
A dramatic IPL encounter highlighting Ekana’s tactical pitch conditions.
Player and Team Performances
| Category | Player or Team |
| Strongest Team at Venue | India |
| Successful Bowlers | Spinners and cutters specialists |
| Batting Style Suited | Technically sound batters |
Spin bowlers and all-rounders often play a decisive role at Ekana.
Fan Experience and Stadium Facilities
Ekana Cricket Stadium offers a modern and comfortable viewing experience.
Facilities include:
- Multiple seating tiers
- Corporate boxes and VIP lounges
- Food courts and refreshment zones
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Large LED screens
The stadium’s wide structure ensures good visibility from most stands.
How to Reach Ekana Cricket Stadium
- By Air: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow is about 20–25 minutes away.
- By Train : Lucknow Junction and Charbagh Railway Station are well-connected to major Indian cities.
- By Road : There are plenty of options, including taxis, public transportation, and app-based taxis.
- Parking: Designated parking zones are available, but early arrival is advised on match days.
Interesting Facts About Ekana Cricket Stadium
- One of the largest stadiums in India by seating capacity
- Named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- Known for slow and challenging pitches
- Hosts international matches, IPL, and domestic games
Ekana Stadium in Numbers
| Metric | Value |
| Seating Capacity | ~50,000 |
| Year Established | 2017 |
| Formats Hosted | ODI, T20I, IPL |
| Known For | Spin-friendly pitches |
Conclusion
Ekana Cricket Stadium has quickly established itself as a unique cricket venue in India. Unlike traditional batting paradises, it offers balanced and competitive conditions that test both batters and bowlers. With modern facilities, strong crowd support, and increasing international exposure, Ekana Stadium continues to play an essential role in Indian cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Ekana Cricket Stadium located?
India’s Uttar Pradesh state is home to the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow..
2. What is the seating capacity of Ekana Stadium?
The stadium can accommodate around 50,000 spectators.
3. Is Ekana Stadium batting-friendly?
No, the pitch generally assists bowlers, especially spinners.
4. Which IPL team uses Ekana Stadium as its home ground?
Lucknow Super Giants use the Ekana Cricket Stadium as their home venue.
