Holkar Cricket Stadium
Indore, India
Location
Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Capacity
30,000 spectators
Established
1990
Home Team
India
Pitch Type
Black Soil Pitch
Overview
One of the better-known cricket grounds in central India, the Holkar Cricket Stadium has gained a strong reputation as a venue for the hosting of exciting international and domestic games. Located in the bright city of Indore, the Holkar Cricket Stadium has become an important cricket venue in Central India, regularly hosting matches in all three formats of the game (Test, ODI, and T20I).
The Holkar Stadium is owned and operated by the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and is home to the Madhya Pradesh domestic cricket team. With a capacity of approximately 30,000 seats, the Holkar Cricket Stadium is classified as a medium-size international cricket ground but is especially popular with cricket fans because of its upbeat and enthusiastic atmosphere.
In addition to hosting many memorable international matches, Holkar has also made a name for itself on the international stage for being the site of numerous world records, particularly those related to T20 centuries (fastest) and very high aggregate scores by teams in limited-over competitions. Because of the relatively small boundaries and very consistent bounce on the Holkar Cricket Stadium pitch, batsmen are particularly comfortable playing at this venue, which provides for many very dynamic and exciting contests between bats and balls.
Additionally, Holkar Stadium has been a host to many games played in the Indian Premier League, which is one of the most highly sought-after cricket competitions around the globe.
Holkar Stadium is equipped with modern cricketing facilities such as advanced LED floodlights, well-maintained dressing rooms, media galleries, commentary boxes, corporate seating areas, and hospitality lounges. The stadium also features a high-quality drainage system that allows matches to resume quickly even after rainfall interruptions.
Holkar Cricket Stadium History
Originally known as Nehru Stadium, the Holkar Cricket Stadium opened its doors in 1990 as an alternative main venue for cricket in the city of Indore. The Holkar dynasty (a royal family that governed the Indore area for centuries) has made significant contributions to Indore Cricket history and, thus, the stadium was established in their honour.
Since then, the Holkar stadium has experienced many renovations and upgrades including: contemporary seating configurations, modern-day floodlights, enhanced pitch facilities, and spectator services enhancements.
As a result of these upgrades and renovations, Holkar stadium has emerged into one of the finest cricket stadiums in the central Indian region; hosting numerous international and domestic-level cricket matches (as well as occasional IPL matches).
Pitch Report
Holkar Cricket Stadium’s pitch is widely regarded as one of the best pitches for batsmen in India, particularly for limited overs cricket. The pitch is usually made of black soil, which will produce good bounce and allow the bat to make contact with the ball. Therefore, batsmen can hit aggressive shots and score quickly.
In the early phase of the match, pace bowlers may experience some movement with the new ball, particularly at night; although, once the ball gets older, batting is much more comfortable as the pitch then settles down to provide normal bounce.
Spin bowlers can also be effective in the middle overs of longer formats of cricket. As the pitch gets dry, there is a likelihood of spin bowlers getting some grip and turn; however, the pitch is generally better for batting than spinning.
Due to the pitch being so batsman friendly, Holkar Stadium has seen some of the highest scoring T20 and ODI matches. In T20 matches, the teams bowling first usually try to achieve a score of more than 190 runs to be competitive.
Another factor that has an effect on matches held at Holkar Stadium are dew conditions during evening games. Dew can cause the ball to become slippery in the second innings and make it difficult for bowlers to bowl.
Boundary Length
Holkar Stadium has relatively shorter boundaries compared to many international cricket stadiums, which contributes to the high number of fours and sixes scored during matches.
Boundary Dimensions
| Side | Length |
| Straight Boundary | 70 – 75 meters |
| Square Boundary | 60 – 65 meters |
| Longest Boundary | Around 75 meters |
| Shortest Boundary | Around 60 meters |
IPL Matches at this Stadium
Holkar Stadium has hosted several matches in the Indian Premier League over the years.
Although it is not the permanent home ground of any IPL team, certain franchises have used this stadium as an alternate venue for their home matches. The stadium has hosted matches involving teams such as Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals.
IPL Matches at Holkar Stadium
| Match | Date | Teams | Winner |
| IPL Match | 2017 | Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians | Kings XI Punjab |
| IPL Match | 2017 | Kings XI Punjab vs Rising Pune Supergiant | Kings XI Punjab |
| IPL Match | 2019 | Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals | Kings XI Punjab |
| IPL Match | 2019 | Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Capitals | Delhi Capitals |
Highest Score / Lowest Score (IPL)
Holkar Stadium has witnessed several memorable batting performances during IPL matches.
IPL Records at Holkar Stadium
| Record | Performance |
| Highest IPL Team Score | 245/6 – Kings XI Punjab |
| Lowest IPL Team Score | 102 – Mumbai Indians |
| Highest Individual Score | KL Rahul – 132 |
| Best Bowling Figures | Andrew Tye – 4/16 |
Average Score (IPL)
The scoring patterns in IPL matches played at Holkar Stadium indicate that it is generally a high-scoring venue.
IPL Average Score
| Format | Average Score |
| First Innings | 185 |
| Second Innings | 175 |
Toss Record (IPL)
The toss can play a significant role in determining match strategies at Holkar Stadium.
| Result | Percentage |
| Batting First Wins | 47% |
| Chasing Wins | 53% |
Best IPL Players at this Stadium
Several players have delivered outstanding performances at Holkar Stadium during IPL matches.
| Player | Achievement |
| KL Rahul | Highest individual IPL score at the venue |
| Andrew Tye | Best bowling figures |
| Chris Gayle | Multiple explosive batting performances |
| Punjab Kings | Most wins at the venue |
Upcoming Matches
An exciting international match is scheduled at Holkar Stadium during the West Indies tour of India 2026.
| Match | Date | Time | Teams | Venue |
| 3rd T20I (Night) | 11 October 2026 | 7:00 PM IST | India national cricket team vs West Indies cricket team | Holkar Stadium, Indore |
Weather Report
Weather conditions in Indore significantly impact the condition of the cricket match at Holkar Stadium. Cricket matches generally take place in Indore when the temperature is usually between 25 degrees Celsius (C) and 35 degrees C. Cricket matches played during the afternoon will be very hot at times during summer; however, evening matches are typically much more comfortable for both players and fans alike.
The level of humidity in Indore is typically at a moderate level; however, dew will usually be present at night matches, which could affect the performance of bowlers during the second inning, especially with spin bowlers as they rely heavily upon their ability to grip the ball in order to create turn.
There is usually little rain during the main cricket season; therefore, it is unusual to have cricket matches interrupted by the weather. The stadium’s modern drainage system enables water to be removed from the playing field quickly, thereby increasing the likelihood of playing a full cricket match.
The best weather in Indore occurs from October until March; therefore, those months are usually the best months to have cricket matches in Indore, as the temperatures will generally be lower and more enjoyable than what they would otherwise be during cricket season.
Ticket Booking Information
Cricket fans interested in watching matches at Holkar Stadium can book tickets through official online platforms.
How to Book Tickets
- Visit the official IPL or BCCI ticket booking website.
- Select the match scheduled at Holkar Stadium.
- Choose your preferred seating category.
- Complete the payment using online payment methods.
- Receive confirmation through SMS or email.
Tickets are also sometimes available at the stadium ticket counters before certain matches.
Location & How to Reach
The Holkar Stadium (also called Holkar Cricket Stadium) is located at Race Course Road in Indore and has excellent transport links to all areas of the city.
Address: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Race Course Road, Indore, Madhya Pradesh / India
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, only a 10 km trip to the stadium.
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is Indore Junction Railway Station, approximately 3 km away.
Visitors can travel by taxi, bus, auto rickshaw or privately owned vehicle to reach the stadium.
FAQ
What is the seating capacity of Holkar Stadium?
Holkar Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 30,000 spectators.
Is the Holkar Stadium pitch batting friendly?
Yes, the pitch generally favours batsmen and produces high-scoring matches.
What is the average IPL score at this venue?
The average first innings score in IPL matches is around 185 runs.
Which IPL teams have played matches here?
Teams like Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals have played matches at this stadium.
Where is Holkar Stadium located?
Holkar Stadium is located on Race Course Road in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
