guide to ICC cricket world cup 2011

Ahmedabad — Sardar Patel Stadium

THE 48,388-seater stadium was established in 1982 on the banks of the Sabarmati river on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Named after India's first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, it hosted its first Test match in 1983 when the West Indies beat the home side by more than 100 runs. Later, in the 1984-85 Australia-India series, the stadium went on to host its first ODI. It also hosted the first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996 between New Zealand and England, as well as a game in the World Cup 1987.

Bengaluru — M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

Established in 1969, the venue was originally named as Karnataka State Cricket Association Stadium and eventually renamed after the president of the Indian board from 1977 until 1980, M. Chinnaswamy. It was given Test status in 1974 and hosted the West Indies in the opening match. Two of the world's greatest cricketers started their journey from this ground: West Indies greats’ Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards.

Chennai — M A Chidambaram Stadium

THE venue, established in 1916, has a capacity to seat 40,156 cricket enthusiasts. Formerly known as the Madras Cricket Club Ground, it was renamed after M. A. Chidambaram, the former president of the BCCI. Popularly known as Chepauk Stadium, the first Test was played here in 1934, when Douglas Jardine-led England played C.K. Nayudu's India. The first-ever Ranji Trophy match, Mysore vs Tamil Nadu, was also played here.

Delhi — Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium

THE ground is named after Feroz Shah Tughlaq of the Tughlaq dynasty. Established in 1883, the Kotla hosted its first cricket match in 1948, when India hosted the West Indies in a high-scoring draw. With a seating capacity of 48,000, it also hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1987 and 1996. It was here in 1996 that Sanath Jayasuriya launched himself.

Kolkata — Eden Gardens

Established
in 1864, the ground is India's biggest cricket venue and initially had a seating capacity of 120,000 before renovations for the ICC CWC 2011 reduced its capacity to 59,500. Famous for its passionate and vocal crowd, it has previously hosted the ICC CWC 1987 final and a semi-final of the CWC 1996. The venue has been witness to individual feats by bowlers, including two hat-tricks — one by Harbhajan Singh, who became the first-ever Indian bowler to capture a Test hat-trick against Australia in 2001 and the other by Kapil Dev in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 1991.

Mohali — Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

Established in 1993, this 30,000-seater stadium is located in Mohali on the outskirts of Chandigarh. It is the 19th and youngest Test cricket venue in India. The first official match here was an ODI between India and South Africa in November, 1993. It also hosted the CWC 1996 semi-final when Australia beat the West Indies.

Mumbai — Wankhede Stadium

Established in 1974, the stadium is going to host the final of the ICC CWC 2011. The first Test was played here in January 1975 between India and the West Indies. It has played host to the ICC CWC 1987 semi-final between India and England. The ground also hosted a league game in the 1996 edition between India and Australia. The refurbished stadium will be able to seat more than 33,442.

Nagpur—Vidharba Cricket Association Stadium

This 45,900-seater stadium was established in 2008 and boasts some of the best facilities in the country for the players, spectators and the media. Built over 35 acres, the first official match played on this ground was the fourth Test between India and Australia in November, 2008. One of the newest stadiums in India, the VCA Stadium ranks amongst the best in the country.

Chittagong — Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium

Previously known as Chittagong Divisional Stadium (CDVS) and Bir Shrestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium (BSSRAS), it was renamed after a prominent leader of the War of Liberation in 1971. It was one of the five purpose-built grounds, established in the run-up to the ICC U19 CWC 2004.

Dhaka — Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium

THE stadium, named after A. K. Fazlul Haque, the country's renowned leader, was established in 2006. It will host the opening match of the CWC 2011. The first official match played here was an ODI between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in December 2008 and it was granted Test venue status in 2007. With a capacity of 25,000, it was originally a football venue.

Colombo — R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium

The 35,000-seater R. Premadasa International Stadium was established in 1986. Originally called Khettarama Cricket Stadium, it was renamed in 1994 after the late Sri Lanka president Ranasinghe Premadasa. This is Sri Lanka's biggest stadium and hosted its first official match, an ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, in April, 1986. The first Test was played between Sri Lanka and Australia in September, 1992.

Hambantota — Mahinda Rajapakse International Stadium

Established in 2009, the venue has been built for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. It will host two CWC matches. This stadium in Hambantota with floodlights was approved in 2006 by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. The cost is estimated to be $7.86 million. It is expected to be one of the top venues for the CWC 2011.

Stumpy

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 mascot is called Stumpy.

His name was unveiled by leading stars, including Sachin
Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara, with 200 days to go to the start of the event.

The mascot, an elephant, has been named 'Stumpy' after an online selection process that drew proposals from thousands of cricket fans around the world.

Stumpy has a number of key characteristics. He is:

Young, enthusiastic and determined

Thinks cricket is the most fun game in the world

Loves playing street cricket; would play 24/7 if he could

Worships cricket heroes, their technique, skill and character

Understands there is a lot to learn, works hard at it, step by step

Learning to master the art of concentration

Dreams of playing in the World Cup...one day

Age: 10 (human years)

CUP OF CHEER: Winning captain Kapil Dev and then President Giani Zail Singh hold the 1983 World Cup

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