Uttar Pradesh

Green Park Stadium

Kanpur

Civil Lines, Kanpur UP Cricket Association, E/23, Ashram Building

208005

India

🏏A Cricketing Legacy

Green Park Stadium stands as a hallowed ground in Indian cricket, weaving a rich tapestry of triumphs, records, and local pride. Since its inception, it has hosted legendary battles, from India’s historic Test victories to modern IPL thrillers, earning its place as a nurturing hub for Uttar Pradesh’s cricketing talent like Mohammad Kaif and Suresh Raina. Its iconic pitch, often dubbed the “Billiards Table,” and the passionate Kanpur crowd have shaped unforgettable moments, making Green Park a cherished symbol of cricketing heritage and community spirit.

History of the Stadium

Green Park Stadium, established in 1945, stands as one of India’s oldest and most iconic cricketing venues, located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Named after Madam Green, a British woman who frequented the area for horse riding in the 1940s, the stadium was constructed under the Sports Department of Uttar Pradesh to foster cricket in the region and nurture local talent. Its nicknames, “Billiards Table” for its historically flat, batsman-friendly pitch and “Woolmer’s Turf” in tribute to cricket coach Bob Woolmer, born in Kanpur, reflect its unique place in Indian cricket lore.

The stadium’s historical significance is marked by landmark moments, such as India’s first Test victory against Australia in December 1959, the venue’s first match on a turf wicket, where Jasubhai Patel’s extraordinary 9/69 in a single innings dismantled the Australian batting lineup. Another milestone was India’s 500th Test match against New Zealand in 2016, a draw that celebrated the nation’s cricketing journey. Green Park has also been a cradle for Uttar Pradesh’s cricketing talent, producing players like Mohammad Kaif and Suresh Raina. Renovations in the early 2000s and plans for further upgrades in 2025 underscore its enduring relevance. The stadium’s museum, opened in 2021, preserves artifacts like scorecards and jerseys from its storied past, making it a pilgrimage site for cricket historians.

Location and Accessibility

Green Park Stadium is located at 15/66, Civil Lines, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208001, India, nestled near the serene banks of the River Ganga. Positioned in Kanpur’s bustling heart, it is a focal point of the city’s cultural and sporting landscape, easily accessible via multiple transport options:

By Road: Approximately 5 km from Kanpur’s city center, the stadium is reachable in 15–20 minutes via autos, cycle rickshaws, buses, or taxis. Major roads like Mall Road ensure smooth connectivity.
By Rail: Kanpur Central Railway Station, about 5 km away, is a major hub with direct trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities, making it convenient for outstation fans.
By Air: Kanpur Airport (Chakeri), 12 km from the stadium, offers domestic flights to cities like Delhi and Lucknow. A cab or auto-rickshaw ride takes about 30 minutes, with prepaid taxis available at the airport.

Nearby landmarks include Elgin Mill, a historic industrial site, DAV College, a prominent educational institution, and the Ganga River, which hosts cultural events like Ganga Aarti. The stadium’s proximity to Kanpur’s vibrant markets, such as Naveen Market, and hotels like Landmark Towers adds convenience for visitors exploring the city.

Architecture and Design

Green Park Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 32,000, recently enhanced through renovations to improve spectator comfort and accessibility. The stadium features a three-storeyed pavilion, housing state-of-the-art dressing rooms, dining areas, a gym, and physiotherapy facilities for players, alongside exclusive stands for VIPs and government officials. Its low-hanging floodlights, installed in 2006, are a distinctive architectural element but currently limit day-night matches due to shadow issues. Planned upgrades by 2026 aim to modernize the lighting system and increase capacity to 40,000.

The playing field, spanning 1642 sq. km, boasts a lush, well-maintained outfield ideal for fast ball movement, though occasional drainage issues after heavy rain have been noted. The pitch is traditionally slow and low, favoring spinners in Test matches as it deteriorates, while offering consistent bounce for batsmen in ODIs and T20s. The stadium’s ends—Mill Pavilion End and Hostel End—are named after nearby landmarks, embedding local identity into its design. The architecture, while functional, reflects a blend of colonial-era simplicity and modern upgrades, with the pavilion’s red-brick facade adding a timeless charm.

Famous Matches and Events

Green Park has hosted 22 Test matches, 14 ODIs, and 1 T20I as of August 2017, along with four IPL matches in 2016 and 2017 for the Gujarat Lions. Its cricketing legacy is defined by unforgettable moments:

1959 Test vs. Australia: India’s maiden Test win over Australia, with Jasubhai Patel’s 9/69 in the second innings, remains one of the finest bowling performances in Test history.
1986 Test vs. Sri Lanka: India amassed 676/7, their highest total at Green Park, with centuries from Sunil Gavaskar (176), Mohammad Azharuddin (199), and Kapil Dev (163).
2016 Test vs. New Zealand: India’s 500th Test match, a draw that highlighted the venue’s historical significance.
ODI Record: Rohit Sharma’s twin ODI centuries (147 vs. New Zealand in 2017 and others) make him the only batsman with two ODI tons at the venue.
IPL Highlights: The 2016 IPL match between Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders saw Andre Russell’s explosive batting, thrilling the Kanpur crowd.

Beyond cricket, Green Park hosts cultural events like music concerts featuring artists such as Arijit Singh, community festivals like Holi and Diwali, and local sports expos. Its versatility as a venue strengthens its role as a community hub in Kanpur.

Facilities

For Spectators: The stadium offers diverse seating options, including general stands, VIP boxes, and hospitality suites. Food stalls serve local specialties like Kanpur’s famous kebabs and international options like pizza, though some reviews call for better hygiene. Limited parking (approximately 500 spaces) makes public transport preferable, with autos and buses readily available. Wheelchair-accessible seating and ramps ensure inclusivity, with dedicated staff assistance on match days.
For Players: Modern dressing rooms are equipped with lockers, showers, and relaxation areas, complemented by practice nets, a gym, and physiotherapy facilities. The pavilion includes umpire rooms and a players’ lounge.
For Media: Press boxes with Wi-Fi, high-definition cameras, and electronic scoreboards support seamless broadcasting. Giant video screens enhance the fan experience, providing replays and live stats.

Recent upgrades include improved restroom facilities and water stations, addressing past fan feedback about basic amenities.

Unique Features

Green Park stands out with distinctive elements that enhance its charm:

Student Gallery: India’s only stadium with a dedicated, affordable section for students, priced as low as ₹100 for select matches, encouraging young fans to engage with cricket.
Manual Scoreboard: The world’s largest manually operated scoreboard, a nostalgic feature that draws cheers when updated during matches.
Riverfront Location: Proximity to the Ganga River offers stunning views, especially during sunset, creating a serene backdrop for evening games.
Fan Zones: Interactive areas with giant screens, face-painting stalls, and merchandise shops create a festive atmosphere, particularly during IPL matches.
Cricket Museum: Opened in 2021, it displays memorabilia like scorecards, player kits, and photos from 1952 onward, attracting history buffs.

These features make Green Park a blend of tradition and fan-focused innovation, setting it apart from larger venues like Eden Gardens.

Fan Experience

Green Park Stadium is renowned for its vibrant, intimate atmosphere, with its 32,000-capacity creating a closer connection to the action compared to larger venues. Fans rave about the electric energy during IPL matches, with chants, drumbeats, and colorful banners transforming the stands into a carnival. A Tripadvisor review from 2023 describes it as “a gem in Kanpur, with amazing architecture and passionate crowds,” though some suggest better food stall hygiene. The student gallery fosters a youthful, spirited vibe, with local college students leading cheers.

The stadium’s museum, opened in 2021, is a highlight, showcasing relics like the 1959 Test scorecard and Suresh Raina’s signed jersey, drawing nostalgia-driven visitors. Local food vendors outside offer Kanpur’s street food staples like chaat and kulfi, adding to the cultural experience. Guided tours, available on non-match days for ₹200–500, cover the pavilion, museum, and pitch, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look. The combination of Kanpur’s warm hospitality, scenic river views, and cricketing passion ensures an unforgettable match-day experience.

🌍Pitch Report & Conditions

The Green Park Stadium pitch, famously nicknamed the “Billiards Table” for its historically flat nature, offers distinct characteristics across T20, ODI, and Test formats, influenced by its soil composition, weather, and maintenance. Below is a detailed analysis of the pitch and playing conditions for each format, including historical performance and environmental factors.

T20 Format

Pitch Characteristics: In T20 matches, the Green Park pitch is generally batsman-friendly, offering consistent bounce and minimal lateral movement, allowing for aggressive stroke play. The surface is prepared to be hard and dry, ensuring good carry for fast bowlers early on and enabling batsmen to trust the bounce for lofted shots. Spinners may find some grip in the later stages, but the pitch rarely deteriorates significantly within the 40 overs of a T20 game.
Historical Performance: The only T20I hosted at Green Park (as of August 2017) saw high-scoring potential, with teams leveraging the flat surface. IPL matches in 2016 and 2017, such as Gujarat Lions vs. Kolkata Knight Riders, witnessed explosive batting, with scores often exceeding 180. Andre Russell’s quickfire 66 off 36 balls in 2016 exemplifies the pitch’s suitability for power-hitting.
Outfield and Conditions: The lush, well-maintained outfield (1642 sq. km) facilitates fast ball movement, boosting boundary scoring. Kanpur’s weather, typically warm and humid during T20 seasons (April–May), favors batsmen, though evening dew can assist bowlers with swing. Drainage issues after rain may slow the outfield, affecting fielding.
Strategic Insights: Teams often prefer batting first to post big totals, as chasing can be tricky if dew aids bowlers. Pace bowlers with variations (e.g., cutters) and wrist spinners are key to controlling the run rate.

ODI Format

Pitch Characteristics: For ODIs, the pitch offers a balanced contest, with early assistance for seamers due to slight moisture and consistent bounce for batsmen throughout the 50 overs. The surface, made of local red soil, tends to remain true but slows slightly in the second half, giving spinners some turn and bounce. The pitch’s flat nature has led to high-scoring games, as seen in Rohit Sharma’s 147 (2017).
Historical Performance: Of the 14 ODIs hosted (as of August 2017), Green Park has seen an average first-innings score of around 250–270. Rohit Sharma’s two centuries (the only batsman to achieve this feat here) highlight the pitch’s batting-friendly nature. Bowlers like Ravindra Jadeja have exploited later turn to restrict totals, as seen in India’s 2017 win over New Zealand.
Outfield and Conditions: The fast outfield supports boundary-heavy games, but humidity (especially in October–November) can make swing bowling effective under lights. Post-monsoon matches may face interruptions, with drainage upgrades planned by 2026 to mitigate delays.
Strategic Insights: Teams winning the toss often bat first to capitalize on early batting conditions, though chasing is viable under lights with dew aiding swing. A balanced bowling attack with seamers and spinners is crucial.

Test Format

Pitch Characteristics: In Test matches, the Green Park pitch is slow and low, favoring spinners as it wears over five days. Early on (Days 1–2), seamers get lateral movement due to moisture, but the surface dries quickly, offering little pace. By Days 3–5, the pitch deteriorates, providing sharp turn and variable bounce, making it a paradise for spinners like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Batsmen need patience to build innings, as seen in India’s 676/7 vs. Sri Lanka (1986).
Historical Performance: Across 22 Tests (as of August 2017), the pitch has favored teams with strong spin bowling. Jasubhai Patel’s 9/69 (1959) and Anil Kumble’s 10 wickets in a 1999 Test vs. South Africa underscore its spin-friendly nature. The average first-innings score is around 350, but collapses are common as the pitch breaks up.
Outfield and Conditions: The outfield, while fast early on, can slow after rain due to drainage issues, affecting scoring rates. Kanpur’s winter Tests (November–January) feature cooler weather, reducing bowler fatigue but increasing morning swing due to fog or mist.
Strategic Insights: Teams prioritize batting first to maximize early conditions, as defending totals on a turning Day 5 pitch is challenging. Spin-heavy bowling attacks and resilient batting lineups are key to success.

General Notes

Soil and Preparation: The pitch uses local red soil, known for its slow nature, and is curated to balance formats. Groundsmen roll it heavily for T20s/ODIs to ensure flatness, while Test pitches are left slightly underprepared to aid deterioration.
Weather Impact: Kanpur’s humid climate (70–90% humidity) and occasional monsoon showers (July–September) can disrupt matches, particularly in ODIs/T20s. Planned drainage improvements by 2026 aim to address this.
Records: Highest T20 score: ~200/5 (IPL, 2016); Highest ODI score: 337/6 (India vs. New Zealand, 2017); Highest Test score: 676/7 (India vs. Sri Lanka, 1986). Best bowling: Jasubhai Patel’s 9/69 (Test, 1959).

The Green Park pitch’s versatility—batting-friendly in shorter formats and spin-dominated in Tests—makes it a unique challenge, testing teams’ adaptability and skill.

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FAQ

Green Park Stadium Frequently asked questions and answers

The pitch at Green Park is traditionally balanced but leans bowler-friendly, particularly for spinners, as it slows and lowers over time in Test matches. Seamers get early assistance, while batsmen benefit from consistent bounce in ODIs and T20s, often leading to high scores.

The stadium currently seats approximately 32,000, with general, VIP, and student sections. Planned renovations by 2026 aim to expand capacity to 40,000 for enhanced spectator comfort.

From Kanpur Airport (Chakeri), 12 km away, take a cab or auto-rickshaw for a 30-minute ride through Civil Lines. Prepaid taxis at the airport cost ₹300–500, ensuring a hassle-free commute.

Memorable matches include India’s first Test win over Australia in 1959 (Jasubhai Patel’s 9/69), the 1986 Test vs. Sri Lanka (India’s 676/7), and India’s 500th Test vs. New Zealand in 2016. Rohit Sharma’s two ODI centuries are a standout record.

Food stalls offer local and international cuisine, including Kanpur’s kebabs and fast food, though cleanliness could improve. Limited parking (500 spaces) is available, so public transport like autos or buses is recommended.

Tickets for matches at Green Park Stadium can be purchased online through platforms like BookMyShow, Paytm Insider, or the official Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) website. Select your desired match, choose from available seat categories (VIP at ₹5000+, mid-tier at ₹1000–₹3000, general at ₹200–₹1000, or student at ₹100–₹500), and complete the payment securely using UPI, credit/debit cards, or net banking. Group discounts (10% for 10+ tickets) and season passes are available for frequent visitors. Early booking, ideally 4–6 weeks in advance, is recommended for high-profile matches like India vs. Australia or IPL games, as tickets sell out quickly.