Sawai Mansingh Stadium

Sawai-Mansingh-Stadium-Jaipur.jpgThe Sawai Mansingh Stadium is a cricket stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. It was built during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II who was also known as SMS, hence the name of the SMS Stadium. It is situated at one corner of the Rambagh Circle. The stadium seats 30,000 and is one of the best in India, after the 2006 renovation.

The Sawai Mansingh Stadium has hosted a solitary Test match, between India and Pakistan, starting on 21 February 1987, when Pakistan President General Zia-ul-Haq crossed the border to watch the second day’s play as part of his “Cricket for Peace” initiative. The Test was notable for Younis Ahmed’s return to the Test fray after an absence of over 17 years and also for Sunil Gavaskar’s dismissal to the first ball of the Test match, for the third time in an otherwise illustrious career. The game sputtered to a draw after the third day’s play was abandoned following heavy rain and a controversy over the alleged deposition of sawdust on the wicket which Pakistan objected.

Test Matches The first ODI, played at Sawai Mansingh stadium, kicked off with a contest between India and Pakistan in 1983, in which, India won by four wickets. The 1987 Test between India and Pakistan proved to be an instrument of peace, when Pakistan President General Zia-ul-Haq came over to witness the second day’s play as part of his “Cricket for Peace” initiative. The game, which saw Sunil Gavaskar being dismissed to the first ball of a Test match for the third time in his career, ended in a draw amid a controversy over the alleged deposition of sawdust on the wicket that Pakistan objected.

Major Tournaments:

2006 Women’s Asia cup 

2006 ICC Champions Trophy

1987 & 1996 Cricket World Cup