The Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi is one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in India. Located on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in New Delhi, it has a rich history and holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans. Formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, this venue is the second-oldest international cricket stadium in India after Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
History of Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi
The Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi was established in 1883 and was originally named Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, after the nearby Kotla Fort. The first Test match played here was on 10 November 1948, when India played against the West Indies. Over the decades, the stadium has hosted many memorable matches and historical moments in cricket.
In 2019, the stadium was renamed to honor Arun Jaitley, a former Finance Minister and president of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), after his passing on 24 August 2019. The official renaming ceremony was held on 12 September 2019.
Key Features of Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi
The Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi is owned and managed by the DDCA. The stadium features stands named after famous cricketers like Bishan Singh Bedi, Mohinder Amarnath, and Gautam Gambhir. The home team dressing room is named after Raman Lamba, and the away dressing room after Prakash Bhandari.
Another notable feature is that one of the stands is named after Virat Kohli, India’s former captain, recognizing his contribution to cricket.
Major Cricket Records at Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi
The Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi has been the venue for many legendary cricket performances. Some highlights include:
- Anil Kumble’s 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999.
- Sachin Tendulkar’s 35th Test century in 2005, breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s record.
- Sunil Gavaskar equaling Don Bradman’s 29 Test centuries in 1983.
- South Africa scoring 428/5 against Sri Lanka during the 2023 Cricket World Cup – the highest ODI total at this ground.
This stadium also witnessed Hemu Adhikari and Ghulam Ahmed’s record 111-run 10th wicket partnership in 1952 against Pakistan, a record that still stands.
Controversies and Incidents at Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi
The Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi has seen a few controversial incidents as well:
- In December 2009, an ODI match between India and Sri Lanka was called off due to a dangerous pitch. The ICC banned the stadium from hosting international matches for 12 months.
- During the 2017 Test between India and Sri Lanka, heavy smog caused players to wear masks and even interrupted play. Sri Lankan players faced health issues, and the incident sparked debate over playing conditions in Delhi.
Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
Since the start of the IPL in 2008, the Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi has been the home ground of the Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils). Many exciting IPL matches have taken place here. The stadium has hosted thrilling games with high scores and nail-biting finishes. Teams like Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Chennai Super Kings have all played competitive matches here.
In April and May 2025, matches between Delhi Capitals and teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore drew big crowds.
International Cricket Events at Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi
The Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi has been a key venue for international cricket. It has hosted matches in multiple editions of the Cricket World Cup – 1987, 1996, 2011, and 2023. It was also a host venue during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, including a semi-final.
In 2019, the stadium hosted India’s T20I match against Bangladesh, which was the 1000th men’s T20 International. Bangladesh won the match, making history by defeating India in a T20I for the first time.
Stadium Statistics: Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi
Here are some important stats about Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi:
- Test Matches Hosted: 36
- ODIs Hosted: 29
- T20Is Hosted: 6
- Highest Test Score: 644/8 (West Indies, 1959)
- Lowest Test Score: 75 all out (India, 1987)
- Most Runs: Sachin Tendulkar – 759 runs
- Most Wickets: Anil Kumble – 58 wickets
In the ODI format, 15 different players have scored centuries here, including legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ricky Ponting, and AB de Villiers.
Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi: Fan Experience
The Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi offers fans a great match-day experience. The stands are well-arranged, with clear views of the pitch. Food and beverage stalls are available. Entry is usually well-managed, and metro connectivity makes it easy to reach the stadium.
Located in the heart of Delhi, it is surrounded by several hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots like India Gate and Red Fort.
Accessibility and Location
The Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station is Delhi Gate on the Violet Line. It’s also reachable by bus, cab, or auto-rickshaw. Being centrally located, it’s convenient for both locals and tourists.
Conclusion
The Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi is not just a cricket ground – it’s a piece of Indian cricket history. From iconic performances to unforgettable matches, this stadium has seen it all. Whether it’s a Test match, an ODI, or a T20, the energy and excitement here are unmatched. As cricket continues to grow in India, the Arun Jaitley Stadium New Delhi will remain a landmark of sports and passion.
