The iconic Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Stadium stands right in the middle of the city but has become a forgotten piece of land. It hosted India’s first-ever ODI, vs England, on home soil in 1981 but it remains the only men’s international fixture ever played here. Operated by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the venue completely disappeared from the international scene the moment Motera, operated and run by the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) was built about 9 km away in 1982/83.
Since then, all international cricket has been restricted to Motera, which was later rebuilt and renamed as the Narendra Modi Stadium – the biggest cricket stadium in the world. The Sardar Patel Stadium was built nearly four decades before the Narendra Modi Stadium but was way ahead of time with its pillar-free structure. It ensured a clear view for the spectators and had floodlights to allow Day-Night fixtures too.
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Unlike the current cricketing facilities in the circuit, there are no proper seats in the stands and just concrete steps to sit and watch the action. Much like how one part of the Karnail Singh Stadium in Delhi, home of Railways in the domestic circuit, still has.
From the outside, the SPV stadium has a strong resemblance to the industrial look of Narendra Modi Stadium. Not as big, but clearly it was a work of art. Not much international cricket – one men’s fixture and two women’s Tests – was played here but there was no dearth of international cricketers who played at the iconic venue. Till very recently, it continued to host BCCI-affiliated tournaments matches and Ranji Trophy games too. But the venue is now completely dug up and undergoing upgradation of the entire outfield and square.
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A JCB crane stands near one corner as a sweeper relentlessly wipes dust off the stands. Seated in a small cabin inside the premises, AMC officials informed upgradation work got underway 3-4 months back and before that venue was hosting regular and prestigious club-level, district and even BCCI-affiliated fixtures.
“As you can see, the entire square is being re-laid and new grass is being put in for the outfield too. It will take some time as the work began only three-four months ago,” says the official.
When asked about the high-profile games hosted at this venue, the official informs not many big fixtures here but many international cricketers have played at this venue from their junior days to Ranji Trophy days.
“International cricket hasn’t happened here but a lot of international cricketers have continued to play here. From Sunil Gavaskar to G Vishwanath to current players like Jasprit Bumrah… everyone has played here at some point in their career. May it be Ranji Trophy or club level or district matches,” adds the official.
As the renovation and upgradation work continues, the venue is one of the official pick-up points for 2023 World Cup tickets booked online and except for the few lining up in front of the tinted windows, there is very little activity inside the premises.
Even the AMC office had a very lazy vibe and the only buzzing piece inside it was the coloured framed photograph of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium.
Every time you look at it, you wonder how and why this work of beauty just evaporated from the scene.
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