ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium – Overview of History and Characteristics

Historical Background

The arena became the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium after it began functioning actively. Soon after September 2009, the stadium received a new name, which honored popular Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. The stadium authorities resumed using the original name, ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, in March 2025.

On April 5th, 2005, the stadium became the stage for an international One Day International (ODI) match between India and Pakistan. The match gained eternal recognition because Dhoni struck an incredible 148-run innings.

Stadium’s Design and Facilities

The ACA-VDCA Stadium is located in Pothinamallayya Palem near the eastern border of Visakhapatnam, surrounded by scenic hills and greenery. The stadium was designed with specific features to ensure excellent visibility and playing conditions. Below are the key elements that define its design and facilities:

• The stadium is built to provide perfect views from all seating positions, with no visible columns obstructing the spectators’ line of sight;
• Floodlights allow matches to begin during twilight, creating ideal playing conditions;
• A strong drainage system helps maintain the field in top condition regardless of weather;
• Batting conditions are generally favorable, though the pitch becomes more bowling-friendly as overs progress;
• The stadium has two main stands: Vizzy End and DV Subba Rao End;
• K. Nagamallaiah is the curator responsible for maintaining the pitch and outfield.

Memorable Matches at ACA-VDCA Stadium

Since receiving BCCI accreditation in 2016, the stadium has hosted a steady stream of international and IPL matches. As of February 2025, it has seen three Test matches, one ODI, and three T20Is. Over the years, several IPL teams have also used it as a primary home ground. Among them are

• Deccan Chargers selected the ground for IPL home matches in 2012;
• Sunrisers Hyderabad hosted matches here in 2015;
• Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants used the venue as a home base in 2016;
• Delhi Capitals played here in 2024 and 2025.

Key Achievements Recorded

We can’t say the arena is in high demand for key matches. Still, cricket history has recorded these legendary performances at the arena:

• In his career’s first Test opening inning, Rohit Sharma became the first batter to score two hundred in October 2019;
• As a new Test cricketer, Mayank Agarwal reached his first 100 Test runs there. He scored his maiden Test double century, resulting in the highest individual Test score at this stadium;
• During IPL 2019, Adam Zampa showcased the most outstanding bowling statistics by a spinner when he took 6 wickets against 19 runs while representing Rising Pune Supergiants;
• Kuldeep Yadav achieved his second career ODI hat-trick against the West Indies in 2019;
• In the Test match against England in 2024, Yashasvi Jaiswal achieved his first double-century by scoring 209 runs.

Notable Events

Several brilliant athletic performances occurred at the stadium, thus making spectators witness unique historic records being set. These achievements took place within the premises of the ACA-VDCA Stadium:

• In the decisive IPL match between Rising Pune Supergiants and Kings XI Punjab on May 21, 2016, the team captain MS Dhoni secured victory through his dramatic run-scoring of 22 runs;
• During his October 24, 2018, performance at the stadium, Virat Kohli secured the fastest journey to 10,000 ODI runs by a batsman using only 205 innings;
• The stadium operated successfully as the secondary IPL 2019 venue when the Indian General Elections were held by organizing Eliminator and Qualifier 2 matches;
• Australian player Josh Inglis notched up 110 T20I runs from his 50-ball innings during the 2023 season;
• In 2005, MS Dhoni launched his first One Day International century, scoring 148 runs against Pakistan during the match;
• Rohit Sharma concluded his match against West Indies in December 2019 by scoring 159 runs from 138 balls to establish a new highest individual ODI score at the venue.

Conclusion

The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, established in 2003 in Visakhapatnam, is a famous cricket venue known for its scenic setting and batting-friendly pitch. It has hosted multiple international and IPL matches, with notable performances by players like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. The stadium features modern facilities, a seating capacity set to expand beyond 25,000, and continues to serve as an important ground for domestic and international cricket events.

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