Eden Gardens, Kolkata also popularly called the Lord’s of Asia, is the oldest cricket ground in India. One of the finest stadiums in the world, it was established in the year 1864. It definitely has the largest accommodation as compared to all the grounds in the world.
It is believed that the Eden Gardens land was the property of the Auckland Family, The Governor General of India in the British Raj. He named the grounds inspired form Bible. In 1841 the land was presented it to the citizens of Calcutta for recreational purpose. In 1871, Calcutta Cricket Club was established, Eden Gardens serving as the headquarters. It started the history of playing cricket in the ground, amidst pictorial surroundings.
In the year 1917-18, Eden Gardens was the host to the first ever first-class match was played. In the January of 1934, a noteworthy test match against Douglas Jardine’s MCC was played here. Since this first match, the ground has hosted more test matches than any other venue in India. The first one-day international match was played in 1987 February against Pakistan.
Eden Gardens holds the reputation of being one of the largest cricketing facilities in the world with a seating capacity of almost 100, 000 people. It is a dream come true for all the cricketers in the world as well as spectators. In the times of sports, the stadium is always filled with people. Cheering festivities boosts the morale of the sportsmen. It is quite a thrilling experience to have witnessed cricket at this stadium.
The Eden Gardens complex is spread over an expanse of 50 acres. The green landscape includes the cricket stadium, indoor stadium and many gardens, lakes and a Burmese Pagoda. Walk through the gardens, lake and pagoda, entry is free. The entry to the stadium is possible only during matches.
