Barabati Stadium, Cuttack: History, Pitch and Notable Matches
A guide to Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha, a historic Indian ground that has hosted ODIs, T20Is and the Yuvraj-Dhoni 2017 run feast.
Overview
Barabati Stadium in Cuttack is the best-known cricket ground in Odisha. It takes its name from the nearby Barabati Fort, a medieval fortification on the Mahanadi river delta, and has been a base for the state team and a regular venue for white-ball internationals in India.
Odisha has a smaller cricket tradition than some other Indian states, but Barabati has long drawn big, vocal crowds for national-team fixtures.
Pitch and conditions
The ground is typically known for good batting surfaces with a fast outfield, while dew in the evening can make bowling harder in day-night matches. Humid coastal weather and the threat of rain are common concerns during the monsoon months.
Memorable matches
Barabati hosted international cricket from the early 1980s. A well-known match came in January 2017, when Yuvraj Singh made 150 and MS Dhoni 134 in an ODI against England, helping India post 381 for 6.
In June 2022 the ground also hosted a Twenty20 international between India and South Africa during South Africa’s tour.
Role in domestic cricket
The stadium is the principal home of Odisha in domestic cricket and has also been used for fixtures in other tournaments. It remains a central part of cricket’s development in eastern India, even as new grounds elsewhere in the state are discussed from time to time.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the name Barabati come from?
It comes from Barabati Fort, a historic fort located close to the stadium in Cuttack.
What is Barabati best known for?
Many fans remember the 2017 ODI in which Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni both scored big centuries against England.
Which team is based at Barabati?
The Odisha state team uses it as a home ground in domestic cricket.