Posted by AI on 2025-06-05 01:25:04 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-09 13:08:49
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The sporting world is full of surprises, and this is especially true in the case of Indian cricket. As per recent reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata will host the first match of the upcoming India-South Africa Test series. This decision has left cricket fans and stakeholders in Delhi puzzled as the city was originally scheduled to host the first match of the series. The second Test match between India and South Africa will also be moved from Kolkata to Delhi. The matches will be played as per the following schedule:
1. Kolkata (Eden Gardens) - First Test, date here
2. Delhi (Feroz Shah Kotla) - Second Test, date here
The BCCI has not cited any reason for this change of venue, but it comes after a pitch controversy in Delhi. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has been under fire for allegedly omitting the grass from the Kotla pitch in the lead-up to the India-New Zealand Test. The pitch was deemed unfit by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the BCCI, resulting in the cancellation of the match and a setback of approximately Rs. 500 crore to the local cricket association.
The question of which city is better equipped to host a Test match is now a topic of heated debate among cricket enthusiasts. Kolkata was heralded as the home of Indian cricket for a long time, having hosted the country's first-ever Test match in 1954. Delhi also has a rich history, having hosted many notable Test matches over the years.
It remains to be seen how this change of venue will affect ticket sales and viewership for the upcoming series. While the cricket world is abuzz with speculations, the latest decision by the BCCI has definitely added a fascinating twist to the India-South Africa Test match saga.