Cricket Ground Near Me: A Complete Guide to Varanasi’s Best Cricket Stadiums
Varanasi is not merely about temples, ghats, and history. It is about cricket, too. Thousands of boys and young players pick up their bats and balls in this ancient city every day, dreaming of greatness. From school playgrounds to professional stadiums, everything a cricket lover could ever want is found in Varanasi.
This blog will take you through all the major cricket grounds in Varanasi: some local training grounds, a few grand historical venues, including the modern Varanasi International Cricket Stadium. So, if you ask for a “near me” best cricket ground, this is it.
1. History of Cricket Grounds in Varanasi
Cricket started developing in Varanasi during the British era. Early matches would often be held in the palace grounds and open fields. The craze for cricket travelled from colleges to rural schools. Slowly, demands for better grounds were raised.
The Maharaja of Benares allowed the use of palace grounds for some of the first matches. In the years to follow, facilities got improved. Now, Varanasi stands in a position to organize international-level matches.
2. Dr. Sampurnanand Stadium (Sigra)
Location: Sigra, Central Varanasi
Type: Multi-purpose Sports Stadium
Seating Capacity: 500
Current Use: State-level matches, practice sessions, local tournaments
A central location for the venue, the stadium mainly houses football and athletics while the local teams often use it for training and matches. Walk in during the school’s morning or evening practice. The weekend is filled with bookings of tournaments for the local cricket clubs and school teams. It is a very good ground if you are a beginner with some experience who seeks structured practice.
Key Features:
- Open walking track
- Grass pitch
- Clean seating area
- Nearby equipment shops
Why Choose This Ground?
Live in central Varanasi? Look no further if you need a well-kept spot to play or watch locals playing their games.
3. Varanasi International Cricket Stadium (Under Construction)
Location: Ganjari, Rajatalab Tehsil (~22 km from Main City)
Size: 30 acres
Planned Seating: 30,000 (expandable to 40,000)
Expected Completion: December 2025 or April 2026
Cost: ₹330 crores
Architectural Theme: Inspired by the Lord Shiva
This stadium will be a pride for Purvanchal. PM Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in September 2023. It will have world-class facilities.
Key Features:
- Trident-shaped floodlights
- Crescent moon-shaped rooftop
- Damaru-shaped media center
- Nine pitches with red, black, and mixed soils
- Dormitories for 100 trainees
- EV charging, solar panels, rainwater harvesting
Design Uniqueness:
- Seating looks like Varanasi ghats
- Walls feature Bilva Patra carvings
- Each structure reflects Shiva symbolism
Why It Matters:
The trophy for all around skills at the Olympics is known as decathlon. In addition, it will also accommodate all young cricketers for training.
4. Maharaja of Benares Palace Ground
Location: Ramnagar Fort area
Status: Not in regular use now Historical Use: First-class matches in 1934–1940s
Legacy: Venue for colonial-era cricket
This ground was once the city’s pride. British officers and royal family members watched cricket here. It is a symbol, though not big time like events, shown to be hosting how cricket started in the region.
Why You Should Visit:
- It’s part of cricket history
- Great for photographs and nostalgia
- Some clubs occasionally organize friendly matches here
5. School and College Cricket Grounds
Many local schools and colleges offer accessible cricket fields. If you’re a student or coach, these are ideal places to practice.
Popular Grounds:
- Sunbeam School Lahartara
- Central Hindu School
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Ground
- JNV Varanasi Campus
Pros:
- Availability of nets
- Coaching facilities in some places
- Easily accessible if you’re enrolled
6. Community Cricket Grounds in Varanasi
Several open fields in residential areas turn into cricket grounds every morning and evening.
Common Areas:
- DLW Ground – Popular with railway staff
- Pandeypur Ground – Youth tournaments
- Bhelupur & Lanka Grounds – Evening matches
- Chandpur & Orderly Bazar fields – Kids and schoolboys train here
These places may not have polished turf or seating but carry real cricket passion. You’ll find coaching sessions, gully cricket games, and local tournaments all year round.
- How to Book a Cricket Ground Near Me
Thanks to mobile apps and booking websites, finding a cricket ground has become easier.
Popular Platforms:
- Playo App – Check availability, pay online
- CricHeroes – Schedule, match stats, reviews
- Local Sports Clubs’ WhatsApp Groups
Pro Tip:
Book at least 3–4 days in advance for weekend slots. Avoid noon hours in summer.
8. How to Choose the Right Cricket Ground
Here’s what you should check before you decide:
Checklist:
- Pitch type (grass, matting, synthetic)
- Net practice availability
- Toilet and drinking water facilities
- Cost per hour or match
- Distance from your location
- Parking space
Always visit the ground at least once before making bulk bookings.
9. Tips for Players Visiting Grounds in Varanasi
- Carry your own kit – Many local grounds don’t offer rentals.
- Hydrate well – Varanasi gets very hot during summers.
- Arrive early – Beat the crowd and start practice on time.
- Check for permits – Government grounds need approvals.
- Watch local tournaments – Learn by observing team strategies.
10. Cricket Ground Map – Varanasi
Here’s a simple list of grounds sorted by area:
Central:
- Sigra Stadium
- BHU Ground
- Sunbeam Lahartara
South:
- DLW Ground
- Varanasi International Stadium (upcoming)
- Ramnagar Fort ground
North:
- Orderly Bazar Field
- Pandeypur Community Ground
Use Google Maps or the Playo app for exact navigation and booking info.
11. Future of Cricket in Varanasi
The completion of the new international stadium will change everything. It will:
- Boost tourism
- Create jobs in sports and event management
- Inspire new players
- Attract BCCI and IPL matches
- Bring Varanasi to the national cricket map
12. Final Thoughts
Varanasi’s cricket scene is growing fast. Whether you’re a student looking for daily practice or a semi-pro team searching for match venues, this city offers everything.
When you type “cricket ground near me“ in Varanasi, you now know the answers. Visit the right ground, connect with clubs, and let your cricket journey begin.
Don’t wait. Pick up your bat. Book your pitch. Play your game.
