JSCA International Stadium – Overview of History and Characteristics

Historical Background

Until the 2000s, JSCA used the Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur, owned by Tata Steel. A scheduling disagreement in 2009 highlighted the need for an independent stadium; an India-England ODI series move to Bengaluru after negotiations collapsed became the final point. This event convinced JSCA that building the venue was essential.

JSCA selected a 35-acre site within the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) land in Dhurwa, Ranchi. Delhi-based Kothari Associates produced the master plan, and construction began in 2010. The project cost approximately ₹1.9 billion. While Chennai Super Kings returned to Chepauk as their primary home ground, the 2025 IPL explores the possibility of a neutral-host weekend at Ranchi. Also, we have discovered the ICC has listed the ground as a reserve venue for the 2026 Champions Trophy.

Stadium’s Design and Architecture

Designers incorporated several innovative architectural features into the stadium. These elements improve player performance and enhance the view for the spectator:

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  Shadow-Free Wickets

  Bowl-shaped stands, membrane roofs, and sun-path modeling prevent shadows on the nine center pitches until after 4:45 p.m., even during the winter solstice;

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  Natural Hills

  Designers intentionally left two low ridges, known as the East and West Hills, untouched. These features give spectators unique grassy vantage points and make the stadium the only Indian ground flanked by hills on both sides;

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  Membrane Roofing

  Tensile PTFE canopies cover most seating areas. This roofing cuts glare and helps keep the arena 8-10 °C cooler on hot summer afternoons;

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  Twin Five-Storey Pavilions

  Fully air-conditioned North and South Pavilions house players’ suites, members’, donors’, BCCI, and the president’s boxes. They also include tiers for media facilities;

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  Indoor Academy

  Three indoor pitches, 35 player suites, and a gym provide Jharkhand’s age-group cricketers with year-round training facilities.

How to Reach JSCA and Match-Day Tips

The stadium is located conveniently within Ranchi’s municipal limits, so visitors can easily reach it. A four-lane boulevard links the stadium to key transport hubs. Getting to the stadium is straightforward: Birsa Munda Airport is a 10-minute drive away; Ranchi Junction or Hatia stations are roughly 25 minutes away by car. On match days, numerous amenities are open:

• Ample on-site parking;
• Shuttle buses;
• Wheelchair ramps;
• A pool-spa complex;
• Tennis and basketball courts;
• Wi-Fi zones;
• Food courts serving Jharkhand cuisine.

Knowing key venue information, such as ticket details, viewing spots, appropriate items, and interesting nearby attractions, will significantly improve the visit. Here is a guide for visitors from our experts:

• Tickets. BookMyShow and Paytm Insider typically open ticket sales six weeks before a match. General stand pricing begins at ₹500 and extends up to ₹1,500, but premium seats start at ₹2,000 and climb to ₹3,500. VIP hospitality packages start above ₹10,000;
• Best Viewpoints. Hillside berms are suitable for casual spectators who choose to sit there (east). The panoramic views are available from Level 3 South Pavilion. The Corporate East section offers fans a comfortable viewing space with air conditioning included;
• What to Bring. Visitors should present their photo ID and e-ticket printout and carry personal items in clear bags, including authorized items like smartphones, wallets, and small power banks. A combination of a cap and sunscreen is recommended when attending matches during daylight hours.

Conclusion

In November 2015, the BCCI granted the arena Test status, recognizing JSCA’s world-class construction. The JSCA International Stadium was one of only six new venues to receive this honor that year. The venue routinely hosts India A matches, Women’s Tests, and Vijay Hazare Trophy knock-out matches. JSCA has state-of-the-art facilities, stunning natural surroundings, and strong ties to MS Dhoni’s legacy. Whether attending a domestic or a high-stakes international match, visitors can expect comfort and unforgettable views at Ranchi’s cricketing pride.

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