M.A. Chidambaram Stadium

MA Chidambaram Stadium [Source: Twitter]MA Chidambaram Stadium [Source: Twitter]

The second-oldest cricket stadium in India, the Muthiah Annamalai Chidambaram Stadium (M.A. Chidambaram Stadium) in Chennai has a rich history around it. Owned by Tamil Nadu Association (TNCA) the stadium was built in 1916. 

The Madras Cricket Club Ground is named after former BCCI and TNCA president M.A Chidambaram Chettiar and is home of the Tamil Nadu State cricket team and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the Indian Premier League. 


M.A.Chidambaram Stadium History

The M.A. Chidambaram stadium fondly known as Chepauk, hosted India for the first time in 1934, two years before it hosted its first Ranji Trophy match in 1936. 

A traditional Test centre, the stadium hosted its first ODI in 1987, almost 53 years after making its international debut. The first T20I was played in 2012, between India and New Zealand, and is rarely given a 20-over match.


M.A.Chidambaram Stadium Capacity

The stadium let go of old roofs in 2010 and were replaced by cabled roofing, with an increased capacity of 50,000. 

In 2021, the old pavilion was demolished, and new stands and clubhouse was built at INR 139 crore, therefore decreasing the capacity to 40,000.  

In 2023, a new modern indoor training was been added to the redesigned Anna Pavilion, and inaugurated along with a new MCC stand ahead of the IPL.


M.A.Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report

 Over the years, the nature of the surface has changed in slow and low for white-ball matches, while remaining fairly consistent in the red-ball and spinning from ball one. 

Evening matches do see a bit of swing on offer for bowlers, with the wind blowing across the stadium passing through the stands.


M.A.Chidambaram Stadium Records

M.A.Chidambaram Stadium ODI Records

Matches Played: 23

Won Batting First: 14 (58.33%)

Won Batting Second: 8 (33.33%)

Notable Records

Highest Team Score: 337 for 7 (ACC Asian XI vs ACA Africa XI, 2007)

Lowest Team Score: 69 (Kenya vs New Zealand, 2011)

Highest Run-Chase: 291 for 2 ( West Indies vs India, 2019)

Highest Individual Score: 194 (Saeed Anwar vs India, 1997)

Best Bowling Figures: 5 for 51 (Ravi Rampaul vs India, 2011)

Most Runs: MS Dhoni -401 runs

Most Wickets: Mohammad Rafique - 8 wickets


M.A.Chidambaram Stadium T20I Records

Matches Played:2

Won Batting First: 1 (50%)

Won Batting Second: 1 (50%)

Notable Records

Highest Team Score: 182 for 4 (India vs West Indies, 2018)

Lowest Team Score: - 

Highest Run-Chase: 182 for 4 (India vs West Indies, 2018)

Highest Individual Score: 92 (Shikhar Dhawan vs West Indies, 2018)

Best Bowling Figures: 3 for 31 ( Irfan Pathan vs New Zealand, 2012)

Most Runs: Shikhar Dhawan - 92 runs

Most Wickets: Irfan Pathan - 3 wickets

M.A.Chidambaram Stadium IPL Records

Matches Played: 76

Won Batting First: 46 (60.53%)

Won Batting Second: 30 (39.47%)

Notable Records

Highest Team Score: 246 for 5 (CSK vs Rajasthan Royals, 2010)

Lowest Team Score: 70 (Royal Challengers Bangalore vs CSK, 2019)

Highest Run-Chase: 201 for 6 (Punjab Kings vs CSK, 2023)

Highest Individual Score: 127 (Murali Vijay vs RR, 2010)

Best Bowling Figures: 5 for 5 (Akash Madhwal vs Lucknow Super Giants, 2023)

Most Runs: Suresh Raina -1,498 runs

Most Wickets: Ravichandran Ashwin - 48 wickets


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the capacity and dimensions of M.A. Chidambaram Stadium?

The official capacity of the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium is 33,500, while dimensions are as follows: offside 68.58 m, on side 68.58 m, front side 65.83 m, and back side 65.83 m.

Q: What are the ticket prices at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium?

As is the case across every stadium, ticket costs differ based on seating and tier. One ticket at Chinnaswamy can range from INR 1,500 to INR 6,500.

Q: What are the pitch conditions and challenges faced by players at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium?

A major challenge for players at Chennai is the humidity and heat, however, with the construction of new open stands, the cool breeze does help in ventilation.

Q: What is the cost of M.A. Chidambaram Stadium?

The recent renovations of the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium was done for INR 139 crore.