International Cricket Returns to Gwalior After 14 Years at New Venue

International cricket will make a grand return to Gwalior after a 14-year hiatus, with the city set to host the opening T20I match between India and Bangladesh on October 6th. This historic encounter will mark the first-ever international cricket match at Gwalior's newly constructed Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium.

Previously, Gwalior's Captain Roop Singh Stadium was the venue for international cricket matches, including the iconic 2010 ODI where Sachin Tendulkar became the first male cricketer to score a double century in the format. However, since Tendulkar's memorable knock, international cricket has been absent from the city.

The Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium will now take center stage, hosting the first of three T20I matches between India and Bangladesh. This state-of-the-art facility boasts world-class amenities and a capacity of over 20,000 spectators.

The Captain Roop Singh Stadium has a rich history in Indian cricket, having hosted several memorable matches over the years. Some notable encounters include:

* West Indies' victory over India by 73 runs in January 1988

* India's triumph over South Africa by 38 runs in November 1991

* India's back-to-back wins over England by 3 and 4 wickets in March 1993

* India's victory over Australia by 37 runs in October 2003

* India's emphatic win over Pakistan by 153 runs in February 2010

The stadium is also known for hosting the first and only day-night Ranji Trophy final in 1996 between Mumbai and Delhi. Mumbai emerged victorious in that five-day affair courtesy of their first-innings lead.

In addition to its cricketing legacy, the Captain Roop Singh Stadium has a unique connection to hockey. Originally a hockey stadium, it was named after Roop Singh, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in hockey at the 1932 and 1936 Games. Roop Singh was the younger brother of hockey legend Dhyan Chand.

The return of international cricket to Gwalior is a testament to the city's passion for the sport and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association's commitment to promoting cricket at all levels. The Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium is set to become a new landmark in Indian cricket, hosting many more memorable matches in the years to come.

Tags: #Cricket, #India, #Bangladesh, #T20I, #Gwalior