The Ahmedabad Cricket Stadium, a Long Ago Structure but Now Forgotten

The renowned Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Stadium is located in the center of the city but has fallen into disrepair. As the only men’s international match ever held here, it hosted India’s first-ever ODI against England in 1981. When Motera, controlled by the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) and erected around 9 km distant in 1982–1983, it was maintained by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and entirely vanished from the international stage.

Since that time, only Motera, the largest cricket venue in the world that was subsequently refurbished and given the name Narendra Modi venue, has been used for international cricket. Despite being constructed over four decades before the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Sardar Patel Stadium was much ahead of its time with its pillar-free design. It made sure the fans could see well and provided floodlights for Day-Night events as well.

There are just concrete stairs to sit on and watch the action, unlike the present cricketing facilities in the circuit, which have actual seats in the stands. Similar to how a portion of Delhi’s Karnail Singh Stadium, where Railways play in the domestic circuit, still exists.

The SPV stadium looks a lot like the industrial-style Narendra Modi Stadium from the outside. It was a piece of art, but not as large. Only one men’s match and two women’s Tests were played here, but there was no shortage of international cricketers who participated at the storied location. It continues to hold Ranji Trophy games as well as matches from BCCI-affiliated events until fairly recently. However, the whole field and square are now being upgraded as the venue is totally dug up.

Near one corner, a JCB crane is stationed as a sweeper vigorously removes dust from the stands. AMC officials said that before the venue’s recent upgrades, which began three to four months ago, it regularly hosted major club-level, district, and even BCCI-affiliated events.

“As you can see, the whole plaza is being redone, and the outfield is also getting new grass. Since the work just started three to four months ago, it will take some time, the official predicts.

The official responds that there aren’t many major matches held at this location but that many international cricketers have participated in tournaments there, from the youth level to the Ranji Trophy.

Although there hasn’t been any international cricket played here, several international players have continued to play. Everyone who has ever played here, including Sunil Gavaskar, G Vishwanath, and contemporary players like Jasprit Bumrah, has done so at some time in their careers. Whether it be Ranji Trophy, club, or district competitions,” the official continues.

The location is one of the official pick-up locations for 2023 World Cup tickets ordered online, and although restoration and upgrade work is ongoing, there isn’t much activity inside the building other than the few people queuing up in front of the tinted windows.

Even the AMC headquarters had a fairly sluggish feel, with the colored framed image of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium serving as its primary focal point.

Every time you see it, you ponder how and why such a stunning creation suddenly vanished from the scene.