MA Chidambaram Stadium

Home ground of the Chennai Super Kings and a historic stage for India's cricketing milestones.

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, commonly known as Chepauk, is a cricket stadium located in Chepauk, Chennai. Established in 1916, it stands as the second oldest international cricket stadium in India still in use, following Eden Gardens. Managed by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), the venue serves as the home ground for the Indian and Indian women's cricket teams, as well as the domestic Tamil Nadu sides. It is the primary home base for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The stadium has hosted major international events, including IPL finals in 2011, 2012, and 2024, and has witnessed over 85 international matches as of December 2025.

Quick Facts

Location: Chepauk, Chennai
Affiliation: Chennai Super Kings (Home Ground)

Lore & Background

The history of Chepauk stretches back to 1846 when a ground was established in the Chepauk palace grounds by Alexander Arbuthnot. After the Madras Presidency acquired the palace in 1859, a new pavilion was built in 1865 for the Madras Cricket Club (MCC). The original Chisholm pavilion was damaged by a cyclone in 1889 and replaced in 1892 with an Anglo-Indian style Irwin pavilion. Although formally established as an annual event venue in 1916, its international legacy began in February 1934 when India played England in the first Test match at Chepauk. That same year, it hosted the inaugural Ranji Trophy match between Madras and Mysore. A defining moment occurred in February 1952, when India recorded its first-ever Test victory against England by an innings and eight runs. Later, in 1986, the venue hosted the second-ever tied Test in history during Australia's tour.

Reader's Guide

Located close to Marina Beach, the stadium is accessible via Wallajah Road from the north, Bells Road from the west, and Victoria Hostel Road from the east, which runs parallel to the Buckingham Canal. The Chepauk MRTS Railway Station sits to the south-east, while the Chennai Metro's nearest station is Government Estate. The venue hosts matches for the Indian men's and women's teams, domestic Tamil Nadu fixtures, and the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. It has served as a host for multiple Cricket World Cups (1987, 1996, 2011, 2023), the 1997 Women's Cricket World Cup, and is scheduled to host matches for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. In February 2026, it hosted seven matches during that tournament. The ground has also been a stage for historic individual records, including Virender Sehwag's triple century of 319 against South Africa in April 2008 and Saeed Anwar's then-highest ODI score of 194 in 1997.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MA Chidambaram Stadium commonly known as by fans?

Most supporters simply refer to this historic ground as Chepauk due to its location in that Chennai neighborhood. It serves as the iconic home turf for the Chennai Super Kings franchise within the IPL.

How old is the stadium compared to other Indian venues?

Established back in 1916, it stands as the second oldest international cricket stadium still active in India after Eden Gardens. This longevity adds a deep layer of heritage to every match played on its soil.