 The Feroz Shah Kotla was established as a cricket ground in 1883. The first Test match at this venue was played on November 10, 1948 when India took on the West Indies. Anil Kumble took 10 wickets in an inning on this ground in 1999, only the second time this feat has been achieved in test cricket. It is owned and operated by the DDCA (Delhi District Cricket Association).
The Feroz Shah Kotla was originally a fortress built by Sultan Ferozshah Tughlaq to house his version of Delhi city called Ferozabad. A pristine polished sandstone pillar from the 3rd century B.C. rises from the palace's crumbling remains, one of many pillars left by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka; it was moved from Ambala, Punjab and re-erected in its current location in 1356.
In the 21st century, the Feroz Shah Kotla is famed for its cauldron-like atmosphere, which is supposed to be the best in the country. The vociferous home support has led to a great winning sequence for India in Test Matches, and the National Cricket Team has been undefeated for over 20 years at this ground.
The Kotla staged its first Test in the 1948-49 season when the mighty West Indies under John Goddard took on India for a five Test series and the ground has produced some really good performances. In the 1952 Test against Pakistan, Hemu Adhikari and Ghulam Ahmed were involved in a record tenth wicket stand of 109 runs - a record that still stands. In 1965, S Venkataraghavan, in his debut series, demolished the New Zealand line up with figures of 8 for 72 and 4 for 80. In 1969-70, Bedi and Prasanna combined to spin India to a famous seven wicket win over Australia, the duo picking 18 wickets between themselves.
England's John Lever had a memorable debut at the Kotla in 1976, when he notched up a half-century and had match figures of 10 for 70. Five years later, Geoff Boycott surpassed Gary Sobers' world record Test aggregate. In 1983-84, Sunil Gavaskar scored his 29th century to equal Don Bradman's long standing record for the highest number of hundreds in Test cricket. In 2005-06, at the same ground, Sachin Tendulkar broke Gavaskar's record of most centuries with his 35th Test century.
History of Feroz Shah Kotla
The name of the stadium is derived from its founder, Firuz Shah Tughlaq. Built in 1354 at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, it was earlier used as a fortress. In 1883, this area was established as a cricket stadium. Naval Khanna and Mr Danish Siddiqui built this stadium. The first international test cricket match was played in this stadium in 1948 on November 10. The test match was between West Indies and India.
World records at Feroz Shah Kotla
As a host of international matches, Feroz Shah Kotla has experienced a number of records and good innings. Some of them are mentioned below:
• India Vs Pakistan 1952 match: Hemu Adhikari and Ghulam Ahmed partnershiped for 109 runs on tenth wicket stand.
• In 1965, S Venkataraghavan debuted in international cricket and knocked down New Zealand with 8 for 72 and again 4 for 80.
• In 1970, Bishen Singh Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna picked up 18 wickets collectively.
• In 1976, John Lever of England scored a half century on his debut match.
• In 1981, Geoff Boycott broke the world record of test aggregate of Gary Sobers.
• In 1983, Sunil Gavaskar hit his 29th century on the stadium and equaled Don Bradman's aggregate.
• In 1999, Anil Kumble took 10 wickets against Pakistan.
• In 2005, Sachin Tendulkar broke world record of Sunil Gavaskar.
After 1999, this stadium was taken over by Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA). After the formation of IPL teams, this stadium has been the official home ground to Delhi Dare Devils. The most successful team to play on this stadium is India. Among all the matches played on this Stadium, India has 10 wins.
2011 Cricket World Cup Matches in Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Delhi
• 24 February, Time- 14.30, Match between South Africa Vs West Indies
• 28 February, Time- 14.30, Match between West Indies Vs Netherlands
• 7 March- Time- 14.30, Match between Kenya Vs Canada
• 9 March, 14.30, Match between India Vs Netherlands
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Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium