City: Karyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram
Country: India
Capacity: 55000
The Greenfield International Stadium, also known as the Karyavattom Stadium, is nestled in the beautiful locale of Karyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, in the southern part of India. Emerging in the cricketing scene in recent times, it was established in 2015, making it one of the newer additions to India's rich tapestry of cricket venues.
With a seating capacity of around 50,000, the stadium has seen a few upgrades since its inception. It was originally built as a multi-purpose facility, accommodating not just cricket but also football, which adds a versatile charm to its character. The design incorporates an innovative design meant to adapt easily for different events, which is somewhat rare and gives it a unique edge.
In terms of local allegiance, the Greenfield International Stadium has often been the venue of choice for Kerala's state team, making it an essential pit stop during domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. Though not frequently spoken of as a cricketing powerhouse, Kerala has managed to carve out a niche for itself and the stadium provides a home for their aspirations.
Internationally, it has hosted several significant matches, including T20 internationals and One Day Internationals. It was part of the roster for India's tour fixtures, often filled with an eager crowd ready to witness their heroes in action. Though it hasn’t hosted any World Cup games yet, each international fixture lends the venue a bit more weight in the cricket world.
The pitch at Greenfield has generally been on the slower side, which tends to favour the spinners. Batsmen have to work hard for their runs, particularly as the game progresses, and the pitch can often become a spinner's haven, adding an intriguing contest angle particularly in limited-overs matches.
One of the standout features of the Greenfield Stadium is its picturesque setting. Surrounded by the lush greenery of Kerala, the natural beauty outside the stadium often competes for attention with the cricket on the field. The views can be quite captivating, providing a refreshing backdrop to the sometimes high-tension drama of cricket.
Accessibility is decent, with the stadium being well connected by road, and located conveniently close to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Transport options are ample, and the local authorities often ensure other amenities like food and restroom facilities are well catered to during events. While not the oldest, nor the most celebrated, Greenfield International Stadium indeed holds its own distinct charm in India's cricketing narrative.
