Green Park Stadium, Kanpur: A Historic Indian Test Ground
Guide to Green Park Stadium in Kanpur: its history since India’s first Test there in 1952, pitch character and memorable matches, including India’s 500th Test.
Green Park Stadium in Kanpur is one of the older Test venues in India. It has hosted international cricket for several decades and is the home ground of the Uttar Pradesh state team in domestic competitions.
History
The ground staged its first Test match in January 1952, when India played England, which makes it one of the earliest venues used for Tests in the country after independence. Over the years it has hosted a steady series of Tests and one-day internationals against many touring teams.
With a capacity of roughly 32,000, it is a significant venue by Indian standards. It has had upgrades over time, including floodlights, to meet modern requirements.
The pitch
Pitches at Green Park have traditionally been slow and low, with turn for spinners as matches progress. Batters often find that run scoring becomes harder as the surface wears, and the ground has been associated with tight, low-scoring contests, as well as high-scoring first innings when the pitch is at its best. Teams batting first in Tests have often tried to make big totals before spin becomes dominant.
Memorable matches
One of the best-known Tests at Kanpur took place in 1959, when India beat Australia for the first time in a Test. The off-spinner Jasu Patel took fourteen wickets in the match, a performance that remains part of Indian cricket folklore.
In 2016 the ground staged India’s 500th Test match, against New Zealand, which India won by 197 runs. In 2021 another Test against New Zealand ended in a dramatic draw, with the visitors holding out with one wicket in hand in the final overs after a long day of defensive batting. In 2024 a Test against Bangladesh was hit by rain, but India still produced a result with a fast-scoring effort in the later days.
Why it matters
Green Park reflects the spread of international cricket in India beyond the largest cities. Kanpur is an important regional centre, and the stadium has given supporters in northern India a chance to see touring teams for more than seventy years. It also gives Uttar Pradesh players a home base that is closely tied to the state’s cricket traditions.
Match schedules and ground details change over time, so visitors should check current information.
Frequently asked questions
When did Green Park Stadium host its first Test?
It hosted its first Test in January 1952, between India and England.
What kind of pitch does Green Park have?
It is generally slow and low, and it often helps spin bowlers as a match goes on.
Which famous milestone occurred at Green Park in 2016?
India played their 500th Test match there, against New Zealand.