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Barabati has all the ingredients to host Test matches regularly. It appears clear that Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium deserves more consideration as a Test venue for several reasons. Between November 8 to 12, 1995 — Cuttack hosted a Test match between India and New Zealand, thereafter, this venue has only hosted ODI and T20 matches, what about Test then? The stadium has a rich history, passionate fan base, and the infrastructure to host international cricket comfortably. Its capacity, pitch conditions, size of the stadium and outfield are all on par with some of the smaller cities that have already host Tests, like Dharamshala and Ranchi.
Additionally, Barabati Stadium has a unique advantage: a loyal fan base that even shows up for Ranji Trophy games, which is a strong indicator of its potential to draw crowds for Test matches, something that many venues struggle with. A regular Test matches in Cuttack could help expand the reach of the format in the eastern region, providing an alternative to Kolkata and giving the cricket-loving audience of Odisha a chance to see long-format cricket live.
The BCCI has been working on making Test cricket more accessible and enjoyable, particularly with the focus on day-night Tests. Cuttack could be an ideal venue to test this strategy further, especially given its strong fan engagement. With Odisha’s continued development of cricketing infrastructure and fan support, Barabati Stadium hosting Test matches like other venues seems not only feasible but beneficial for Indian cricket.
As the BCCI and ICC look for ways to keep Test cricket vibrant, taking it to cities where fans are already enthusiastic could be a winning approach. Under the proactive leadership of OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera, Cuttack has demonstrated immense potential as a cricketing hub. The Odisha Cricket Association’s hands-on management has helped elevate the Barabati Stadium and cricket infrastructure across the state, making it a strong candidate for Test matches.
Cricket in Cuttack benefits from excellent organization, passionate local support, and a deep-rooted sports culture—something already evident from Odisha’s impressive track record in hockey and other sports. Adding Test status to Barabati Stadium could bring significant recognition to Odisha as a sporting state, enhancing its reputation on the national stage.
With cricket potentially making its way into the Olympics, ensuring more venues like Cuttack have Test matches could also align well with a larger vision for Indian sports infrastructure. This would not only boost local pride but also encourage more youth to take up the game, knowing their state is recognized at the highest level.
While traditional centres like Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi have long been the mainstays for Test cricket, expanding to new locations like Cuttack could energise the format and broaden its reach. Introducing Test cricket in Cuttack, where fans are already enthusiastic and supportive, would allow more people to experience the magic of the longest format and foster a deeper appreciation for it. With growing interest across states to host Test matches, it makes sense for the BCCI to consider venues beyond the traditional cities.
This approach not only brings Test cricket closer to fans across India but also promotes regional pride and support. States with newer Test venues tend to rally around the event, bringing in crowds that can help counter the global decline in Test match attendance. Barabati Stadium’s enthusiastic fan base and excellent facilities make it an ideal candidate.
Adding Cuttack to the Test roster would not only help sustain interest in Test cricket but also reward the passionate cricket culture that Odisha has cultivated under visionary leaders. Cricket is an Olympics and Barabati has already taken a lead in the right direction as it has the Olympics logo etched at the stadium. It is said that Cuttack lacks star hotels to cater to the teams but that is a lame excuse as Bhubaneshwar is a stone’s throwaway.
