ICC World T20 2016: 5 venues unlucky to miss out on hosting matches
It’s been 2 weeks since the World T20 has gotten underway and arguably this has been one of the most riveting editions in the tournament’s history. The qualification scenarios in both groups might be decided in the very last game and it is this closeness of the competition that is ensuring that the spectators are getting their money’s worth.The high level of competition between the various teams has meant that even the games not involving Team India have witnessed a decent number of spectators.Though India has several venues capable of hosting this marquee event, all the games of this T20 extravaganza are being hosted at 8 venues across India. As a result, several grounds with excellent facilities and infrastructure have missed out on hosting games of the world’s premier T20 tournament.Let’s take a look at 5 such venues who were unlucky to miss out on hosting World T20 games:
#5 Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Rajasthan is a state known for its forts and keeping with that tradition, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur is a fortress of sorts. Though it hasn’t been able to host a game since late 2013 due to the controversy surrounding Lalit Modi, this stadium is well known for the impeccable home record of the Rajasthan Royals. In the 2013 season of the IPL, the Royals did not lose a single game at Jaipur.
Initially, this stadium in Jaipur was not considered fit to host international matches. Thereafter, Lalit Modi and his team of administrators turned it around and it played host to a premier ICC event in 2006 when 6 Champions Trophy games were played here.
However, a dip in Modi’s fortunes has meant that this ground has gradually fallen out of favor over the years in spite of significantly improved facilities. Though it has a capacity of a little over 30,000, it has one of the most vociferous crowds showing up each time there is a game.
With small dimensions and a flat pitch that slows down eventually, this ground is a batting paradise and a perfect fit for a T20.