Vizag, a historic hub for cricket, nurturing future stars Premium

Vizag's rich cricket history, from Dhoni's iconic knock to hosting IPL matches, showcases the city's love for the sport.

Ask any cricket lover in Vizag about his favourite cricket memory, and nine out of 10 would say former Indian cricket team captain M.S. Dhoni’s famous knock of 148 against Pakistan in 2005. Since then, Vizagites proudly owned Dhoni as their local boy and the scenic Dr. YSR ACA VDCA Stadium as one of his most treasured grounds. The match introduced Dhoni to the cricket world and what he can do in team India.

When it is about cricket in Vizag, former Director of Centre for Policy Studies and ex-commentator A. Prasanna Kumar recalls the journey of Colonel C.K. Nayudu, who played a pivotal role in bringing cricket to Andhra.

C.K. Nayudu was India’s first Test captain when India played against England at Lord’s in 1932. Twenty-one years later, Nayudu came to Guntur and founded the Andhra Cricket Association. He also led the Andhra Cricket team to its first Ranji trophy in 1953-54.

Mr. Prasanna Kumar remembers the formation of the Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association (VDCA) in 1962 by the former Superintendent of Police, late C.G. Saldanha. He was assisted by Secretary A. Radhakrishna, and got the then Governor of Andhra Pradesh, General Srinagesh.

It all began with Sir Vivian Richards leading West Indies XI in a three-day match against Board President’s XI in the ‘first international match’ played in Vizag, in 1987, at the Indira Priyadarshini Municipal Corporation Stadium, which is also called Municipal Stadium at One Town, he says.

“Cricket lovers of the city and the neighbouring areas had the pleasure of watching Viv Richards in action though he scored only 6 runs and took a wicket as the WI overpowered the home side in less than three years,” he recalls.

The first One Day International match was played in December 1988, when India clashed with New Zealand. It was Dilip Vengsarkar who led India to victory.