Why Nagpur’s VCA (Jamtha) Stadium Hosts Very Few International Matches

Cricket pulses through India like a lifeline, with every city aspiring to host the biggest contests. Nagpur, boasts the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Jamtha, one of the finest cricket grounds in the country.

Built to global standards with modern infrastructure, it has hosted international matches, including World Cup fixtures.

Yet, despite its capabilities, Nagpur has been overlooked when it comes to hosting high-profile international games regularly. While cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru see a steady stream of marquee encounters, Nagpur is often left waiting.

The absence of international fixtures on a regular basis at this world-class venue raises several questions.

Is it just a matter of rotation, or are there deeper reasons behind this inconsistency? Cricket fans in Nagpur have often found themselves asking why their city, with a stadium that meets global standards, is not a frequent choice for hosting matches.

The reasons lie in a mix of past incidents, administrative choices, pitch scrutiny, and competition from other cities.

The Pitch That Raised Eyebrows

In the world of international cricket, pitches are scrutinised as closely as player performances. The surface at the VCA Stadium has often been a point of contention.

The most infamous case came in 2015, during a Test match between India and South Africa, where the surface received a "poor" rating from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The excessive turn offered to spinners in the first innings itself led to a sharp contest, but it also invited criticism regarding whether the pitch was too one-sided.

The ICC’s verdict carried weight, and such assessments can influence the frequency with which a stadium is awarded international fixtures. A venue flagged for pitch quality concerns is bound to face hesitation from governing bodies.

While the pitch has since seen improvements and even been praised for some matches, perceptions formed over time can be hard to shake.

This single incident, however, does not entirely explain why international matches remain infrequent in Nagpur. Other factors, both on and off the field, also come into play.

The Politics of Venue Selection

In Indian cricket, venue allocation is not solely about facilities. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) follows a rotational policy to ensure various cities get a chance to host international games. However, some venues end up receiving more matches than others due to factors such as historical significance, sponsorship opportunities, and crowd turnout.

The larger metropolitan centres often have an edge in securing more matches. Stadiums in Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi hold deep cricketing legacies and are home to the country’s most followed domestic teams.

This naturally increases their preference for international fixtures. Additionally, the financial pull of these cities attracts sponsors and broadcasters, further boosting their chances.

Nagpur, despite its excellent facilities, does not command the same level of cricketing heritage.

Though it has produced talented cricketers and has a dedicated fan base, it does not feature as prominently as Mumbai or Kolkata in discussions surrounding the sport’s history. This plays a subtle yet significant role in match allotment.

Adding to this, administrative decisions also determine whether a venue gets a game. There have been instances where matches scheduled for Nagpur were later relocated.

A One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in 2023 and a Twenty20 match against Australia in the same year were both shifted to Raipur.

Such changes, especially when no clear reasons are given, raise questions about the stadium’s standing within the BCCI’s selection process.

Competition from Emerging Cities

India has no shortage of international-standard stadiums, and the rise of new cricketing hubs has further intensified the competition for hosting rights.

Cities like Pune, Lucknow, and Dharamshala have recently emerged as preferred venues. With their modern facilities and growing cricket culture, they have entered the rotation, making it even harder for Nagpur to secure regular matches.

The BCCI’s efforts to expand the game beyond traditional centres have meant that states without a rich cricketing history now get more exposure.

This redistribution has affected venues like Nagpur, which, despite being fully equipped, finds itself in a crowded race. When matches are spread across multiple cities, a venue that already has fewer fixtures might struggle to make a case for itself.

Additionally, a city’s connectivity, hospitality industry, and ease of access for teams and officials also play a role. While Nagpur is centrally located, cities with better air connectivity and more extensive hotel networks sometimes get preference.

The experience of hosting a match is not just about the stadium, it also involves factors such as accommodation, transportation, and the overall environment for players and staff.

The Future of Cricket in Nagpur

Panoramic view of Nagpur's VCA (Jamtha) Cricket Stadium

Despite these challenges, the VCA Stadium continues to be a world-class venue, and when it does host international matches, it delivers. Some of the most thrilling contests have taken place on this ground, and it has witnessed moments that cricket fans cherish.

The issue is not the quality of the stadium itself, but rather the larger ecosystem that determines where international matches are played.

As cricket continues to grow, venue selection will remain a dynamic process influenced by multiple factors.

Whether Nagpur will see an increase in international fixtures depends not just on its infrastructure but also on how it positions itself within the broader landscape of Indian cricket.

Until then, fans will continue to wait, hoping their city gets the spotlight it deserves.