Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens sits in Kolkata, near the Maidan in the B.B.D. Bagh area of West Bengal. The ground spans 50 acres and features a circular playing field. It has operated as a cricket site since 1864, making it 162 years old. The ground serves as the headquarters for the Cricket Association of Bengal and acts as the primary base for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the Bengal men's team, and the Bengal women's team.

The capacity of Eden Gardens has fluctuated significantly over the decades. Before 1987, the stadium held 40,000 spectators. This figure grew to 100,000 between 1987 and 2010. Following a renovation period during 2010 and 2011, the current capacity stands at 68,000. Future plans include a return to a capacity of 100,000 through an expansion project, keeping the venue among the largest grounds in the world for cricket.

International men's Test cricket began here in January 1934 with a match between India and England. The most recent men's Test occurred in November 2025 between India and South Africa. For men's ODIs, the ground first hosted India against Pakistan in February 1987. The last men's ODI took place in November 2023 when Australia played South Africa. The men's T20I history started in 2011 against England.

Women's international cricket also features prominently in the history of the ground. The first women's ODI held at the venue saw India play England in January 1978. The final women's ODI occurred in December 2005, once again between India and England. The only women's T20I at the stadium took place in April 2016 between Australia and the West Indies, reflecting the diverse range of formats hosted here.

The Kolkata Knight Riders use the ground extensively for the Indian Premier League. During the 2026 season, the team experienced varied results. They defeated the Mumbai Indians by 4 wickets and the Gujarat Titans by 29 runs. Conversely, they lost to the Delhi Capitals by 40 runs and to the Lucknow Super Giants by 3 wickets. These matches illustrate the high-pressure environment players face at this venue.

Beyond the Indian Premier League, the ground has hosted major competitions including the Ranji Trophy, the Hero Cup, the Cricket World Cup, and the World Twenty20. While primarily a cricket venue, it briefly hosted India's men's national football team between 1982 and 1984. Cricket remains the defining activity for the site, with a continuous schedule of domestic and international fixtures played from 1937 through 2026.

The final men's T20I match held at the ground took place on March 4, 2026, between South Africa and New Zealand. This fixture serves as one of the most recent markers of the ongoing international schedule. With its deep history dating back to 1864 and its role as the home for Bengal cricket and the Kolkata Knight Riders, the ground maintains a central role in the sport's landscape today.