Barabati Stadium, located in Cuttack, Odisha, is one of India’s most historic cricket venues. Known for its passionate crowd, lively atmosphere, and memorable international matches, the stadium has played a significant role in Indian cricket for decades. This complete guide covers Barabati Stadium’s history, pitch report, records across formats, facilities, and visitor information.
Barabati Stadium Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Cuttack, Odisha, India |
| Established | 1958 |
| Seating Capacity | Approximately 45,000 |
| Home Team | Odisha Cricket Team |
| International Matches | Tests, ODIs, T20Is |
| Pitch Nature | Balanced with help for spinners |
History and Development of Barabati Stadium
Barabati Stadium was established in 1958 near the historic Barabati Fort, which gives it its name. Over the years, the stadium has hosted numerous international and domestic matches, becoming the heart of cricket in Odisha.
The venue gained popularity during the 1980s and 1990s when it regularly hosted ODIs and Test matches. Over time, floodlights were installed to allow day-night games, and infrastructure upgrades were made to improve player and spectator facilities.
Despite competition from newer stadiums, Barabati Stadium remains iconic for its legacy, emotional crowd involvement, and classic cricketing moments.
Pitch and Playing Conditions
The pitch at Barabati Stadium is traditionally balanced but tends to slow down as the match progresses.
Key pitch characteristics:
- Offers good bounce early on
- Spinners become effective in the middle and later stages
- Batting becomes slightly challenging under the lights
- Chasing can be tricky in limited-overs matches
- Dew may play a role in night games
Test Match Records at Barabati Stadium
| Category | Record |
| Highest Team Total | India 540 vs West Indies |
| Lowest Team Total | India 171 vs England |
| First Test Hosted | India vs England, 1982 |
| Pitch Trend | Assists spin bowling |
Barabati Stadium has hosted several Test matches, mostly dominated by spin bowlers as the surface wears down.
ODI Records at Barabati Stadium
| Category | Record |
| Highest Team Total | India 381/6 vs England |
| Lowest Team Total | Zimbabwe 44 vs Sri Lanka |
| Famous Match | India vs England, 2017 |
| Match Nature | Competitive but unpredictable |
The venue is well known for dramatic ODIs, including thrilling chases and occasional low-scoring encounters.
T20I Records at Barabati Stadium
| Category | Details |
| Pitch Behaviour | Slows down in second innings |
| Average Scores | Moderate |
| Advantage | Bowlers, especially spinners |
| Match Style | Tactical and intense |
T20 matches here often demand brilliant batting rather than pure power-hitting.
Memorable Matches at Barabati Stadium
India vs England, 2017 ODI
A high-scoring contest where India showcased dominant batting in front of a packed crowd.
India vs Sri Lanka, 2014 T20I
A thrilling match highlighting the stadium’s electric atmosphere.
India vs West Indies, Test Match
A classic Test encounter showcasing spin-friendly conditions.
Player and Team Performances
| Category | Player / Team |
| Successful Team at Venue | India |
| Notable Performers | MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja |
| Bowling Strength | Spinners dominate |
| Crowd Support | Strong home advantage |
Fan Experience and Stadium Facilities
Barabati Stadium is famous for its energetic and emotional crowd, making matches unforgettable.
Facilities include:
- General and VIP seating
- Media and commentary boxes
- Food and refreshment stalls
- Medical facilities
- Security and entry checkpoints
Seats closer to the stands provide an intense matchday experience, especially during India games.
How to Reach Barabati Stadium
- By Air : The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 30 km away.
- By Train : Cuttack Railway Station is well-connected to major Indian cities and is just a short drive from the stadium.
- By Road : Easily accessible via local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
- Parking : Limited parking is available; early arrival is advised on match days.
Interesting Facts About Barabati Stadium
- Named after the historic Barabati Fort
- Known for one of the loudest cricket crowds in India
- Has witnessed both record highs and shocking collapses
Considered a challenging venue for visiting teams
Barabati Stadium in Numbers
| Metric | Value |
| Seating Capacity | ~45,000 |
| Formats Hosted | Test, ODI, T20I |
| Known For | Passionate crowd & spin-friendly pitch |
| Location Advantage | Close to Bhubaneswar |
Conclusion
Barabati Stadium is more than just a cricket ground; it’s an emotional landmark for fans in Odisha. With its rich history, unpredictable pitch, and unforgettable crowd energy, the venue continues to hold a special place in Indian cricket. Whether it’s a gripping ODI or a tactical T20 match, Barabati Stadium always promises drama and excitement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is Barabati Stadium located?
Barabati Stadium is located in Cuttack, Odisha, near the historic Barabati Fort.
2. What is the seating capacity of Barabati Stadium?
The stadium can accommodate approximately 45,000 spectators.
3. Does Barabati Stadium have floodlights?
Yes, the stadium is equipped with floodlights for day-night matches.
4. Which formats are played at Barabati Stadium?
The venue hosts Test matches, ODIs, T20 Internationals, and domestic cricket.
