| Bhopal Ground | |
| A view of the cricket ground at M.K Pataudi Sports Complex | |
| |
| Ground information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Okhla, Delhi, India |
| Country | India |
| Establishment | 1989 |
| International information | |
| Only women's Test | 21 November 2005: |
| Only WODI | 17 December 1997: |
| As of 9 December 2019 Source: ESPNcricinfo | |
Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi Sports Complex, also known as the M. K. Pataudi Sports Complex, is a cricket ground and multi-sport complex located within the campus of Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi, India. Established in 1989, it is considered one of the best playing surfaces in Delhi. The ground is sometimes colloquially referred to as the “Bhopal Ground” owing to historical ties with the Bhopal royal family. Unusually, the ground features brick sightscreens.
The ground was host to a one day international during the 1997 Women's Cricket World Cup, with the Netherlands defeating Sri Lanka by 47 runs. [1] In 2005, the ground hosted its first Test match: the match, a women's match between India and England, was drawn. [2] The complex has also hosted several Ranji Trophy matches, and is used for the university’s inter-department tournaments. [3]
The sports complex is part of the campus grounds of Jamia Millia Islamia, and is also known as the “Bhopal Ground” because the land was donated by Sajida Sultan, the Begum of Bhopal and mother of the cricketer‐royalty Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. In 2016, the university formally renamed the facility to the “Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi Sports Complex”, in honour of Pataudi’s achievements in Indian cricket. [4] During the unveiling, a pavilion was also named after alumnus Virender Sehwag. [5]
The ground underwent major upgrades in the lead-up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games — transitioning from a basic “dust-bowl” matting-wicket surface into a turf wicket of international standard, and adding improved outdoor and indoor facilities, including flood-lit basketball and lawn-tennis courts, a jogging track, indoor stadiums and a gallery for spectators. [6]
The Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi Sports Complex offers a variety of sports and recreational facilities catering to students, faculty, and the broader community. These amenities support both inter-departmental competitions and individual fitness activities. [7]
Outdoor Facilities:
Indoor Facilities:
28°33′47″N77°16′44″E / 28.563°N 77.279°E