Baroda, now Vadodara, has long been a cricketing hub in India, boasting a rich legacy of producing legendary players and hosting unforgettable matches. The city has been home to iconic cricketers, from Vijay Hazare and Dattajirao Krishnarao Gaekwad to Kiran More and Aunshuman Gaekwad, and, in more recent times, the Pathan brothers (Irfan and Yusuf) and the Pandya brothers (Krunal and Hardik).
Cricket was first introduced to Vadodara in the early 1900s by the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad, who played a key role in establishing the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA). Since then, the Motibaug Ground has remained a cherished venue, attracting passionate crowds eager to watch their state team compete in domestic tournaments.
“It’s a cricket-crazy city. People turn up for any Ranji game, even in extreme heat. They stay late into the night as well,” said a BCA official.
Over the years, Vadodara’s enthusiasm for the sport has led to the development of a new venue – the Kotambi International Stadium.
A New Era
Situated just off the Harod-Halol-Vadodara highway, Kotambi is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The stadium’s intricately designed outer facade, featuring a wood-like finish, stands in striking contrast to the lush green practice field set against the surrounding barren landscape.
The 35,000-capacity stadium was inaugurated in December 2024 with a well-attended three-match ODI series between India Women and West Indies Women. The Women’s Premier League’s decision to include Vadodara as a host city further reinforced the region’s cricketing significance.
The 35,000-capacity venue, inaugurated in December 2024, marked its grand opening with a well-attended three-match ODI series between India Women and the West Indies Women.
| Photo Credit:
Sportzpics for BCCI
The 35,000-capacity venue, inaugurated in December 2024, marked its grand opening with a well-attended three-match ODI series between India Women and the West Indies Women.
| Photo Credit:
Sportzpics for BCCI
Throughout the opening leg of the WPL, the atmosphere was electric, culminating in a near-capacity crowd during the Gujarat Giants’ fixture against defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru. For the Giants’ faithful, the high-scoring defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but new captain Ashleigh Gardner’s fine form reassured them that the team was in safe hands.
“I am looking forward to seeing Ashleigh Gardner go at it again,” said Yuvaraaj Singh, a student at Parul University in Vadodara, ahead of the Giants’ clash against UP Warriorz, their second match of the season.
“This is my first time watching a cricket match in a stadium. I’m hoping to see Gujarat play great cricket and do better this time,” he added.
READ | WPL 2025: Kiran Navgire confident despite UP Warriorz’ loss to Delhi Capitals
The Australian all-rounder did not disappoint, producing a match-winning knock in a straightforward chase to secure the Giants’ first points of the season. Meanwhile, off-field entertainment kept the crowd engaged, with mascots energising the stands and mid-innings performances to the latest chart-toppers.
Through the opening leg of the WPL, the atmosphere has been electric, with a near-capacity crowd during the home side Gujarat Giants’ fixture against title holder Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit:
Kavita Menon
Through the opening leg of the WPL, the atmosphere has been electric, with a near-capacity crowd during the home side Gujarat Giants’ fixture against title holder Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit:
Kavita Menon
United by Cricket
However, what truly captured Vadodara’s cricketing spirit was the unwavering support for other teams, particularly the ever-popular RCB, which began the season by securing back-to-back victories. Despite missing a few key players, RCB displayed its dominance, thrilling the 20,000-strong crowd on opening day.
For the Smriti Mandhana-led side, the reception in Vadodara was nothing short of extraordinary. The franchise continues to garner support beyond Bengaluru, with resounding chants of “RCB, RCB” echoing through the stands.
“This ‘special’ feeling can’t be found anywhere else,” said RCB’s Georgia Wareham after her side’s emphatic win against Delhi Capitals.
READ | WPL 2025: Delhi Capitals clinches another close finish to beat UP Warriorz by seven wickets
“Wherever we play, to hear the RCB chants ringing around the stadium—it’s pretty special to be a part of. We don’t get this anywhere else in the world,” added the Australian spinner, who played a pivotal role in the win with figures of 3/25.
Meanwhile, DC captain Meg Lanning shared similar sentiments about the crowd’s energy.
“The atmosphere was incredible. You could barely hear yourself think out in the middle,” Lanning said after her side secured a win against UP Warriorz in the final match of the leg.
“That’s exactly what we, as players, want — playing in front of an excited crowd,” she added.
But what truly revealed the spirit of the Vadodara cricket enthusiasts was the support they brought to other teams, especially fan favourite RCB.
| Photo Credit:
Sportzpics for WPL
But what truly revealed the spirit of the Vadodara cricket enthusiasts was the support they brought to other teams, especially fan favourite RCB.
| Photo Credit:
Sportzpics for WPL
An Unforgettable Experience
Fans travelled from across the city to be part of the action, converging at the single entry point to the stadium. Making their way past hawkers selling team merchandise, they navigated through a large parking field, many clad in jerseys supporting different teams.
The six-day cricketing extravaganza in Vadodara concluded with the stadium packed almost to the brim. Families gathered under the city’s pleasant evening sky, witnessing yet another thrilling contest that brought the WPL’s Vadodara leg to a close.
With high-profile tournaments already gracing Kotambi International Stadium within its first few months of operation — and a Women’s ODI World Cup on the horizon — locals will be eagerly awaiting the return of top-tier cricket to their hometown.
