Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground: Pitch Report, Records & Guide
Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground is one of the most important yet lesser-known cricket venues inside the massive Ekana Sportz City complex in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. While the main stadium—officially named Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium—often steals the spotlight for hosting international matches, World Cup fixtures, IPL games, and national events, the B Ground plays a crucial role in shaping domestic cricket, training future stars, and supporting large multi-match tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
This guide covers everything—pitch report, ground size, dimensions, records, facilities, travel information, comparisons with the main stadium, upcoming developments, and much more. Written in a simple, human-friendly tone, this comprehensive resource will help fans, analysts, players, and cricket enthusiasts understand why Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground matters.
History and Background
The Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground was developed as part of the broader Ekana Sportz City, a world-class sports township designed to elevate Uttar Pradesh’s presence in India’s cricketing ecosystem. Built during the same development phase as the main stadium (inaugurated in 2017), the B Ground functions as the operational backbone for practice sessions, domestic tournaments, under-19 matches, youth ODIs, and state competitions.
For large tournaments such as:
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
- Under-19 One Day Matches
- Domestic T20 Leagues
- UPCA State Events
…the B Ground provides the extra capacity needed to host simultaneous matches. This dual-ground format mirrors international complexes like Chinnaswamy’s B Ground in Bengaluru and Wankhede’s practice ground, demonstrating Ekana’s ambition to match global cricket infrastructure.
Ekana Sportz City – The Larger Complex
Ekana Sportz City is one of India’s most advanced integrated sports townships. It includes:
- The main international stadium (50,000+ capacity)
- Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground
- High-quality practice pitches
- Indoor training centers
- Gymnasiums and recovery zones
- Residential blocks for players
- Commercial spaces
- Multi-sport facilities
The presence of two functional cricket grounds within the same complex greatly boosts Lucknow’s ability to host back-to-back fixtures, large tournaments, and exclusive training camps for teams like Lucknow Super Giants, UP Warriorz, and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Team.
Location, Address & Accessibility
Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground is located in Gomti Nagar Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, inside the Ekana Sportz City.
Official Address
Ekana Sportz City, Sector 7, Gomti Nagar Extension, Lucknow – 226010
Distance From Key Points in Lucknow
| Location | Approx. Distance |
|---|---|
| Gomti Nagar | 3–5 km |
| Hazratganj | 9–10 km |
| Charbagh Railway Station | 12–13 km |
| Lucknow Airport | 20–22 km |
Travel Tips
Reaching the B Ground is easy due to wide connecting roads like Shaheed Path. Auto-rickshaws, cabs, and app-based taxis can drop you right at the stadium gate. Local buses also pass through the main road near the complex. Travelers should keep in mind that on match days, the approach road may become crowded, so early arrival is recommended.
Infrastructure of Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground
The B Ground mirrors many features of the main stadium, though on a slightly smaller scale. It has a professional layout suitable for high-level domestic matches and competitive training.
Ground Size, Dimensions & Boundary Length
Although B-Ground-specific measurements vary across sources, the overall stadium complex adheres to standardized international dimensions:
- Total Playing Area: Approx. 160 × 156 meters
- Straight Boundaries: Known for being among the longest in India
- Square Boundaries: Moderately sized, giving balanced support to batsmen and bowlers
These boundary sizes influence scoring patterns significantly—teams often rely on running between the wickets rather than just boundary-hitting.
Pitch Type & Soil Composition
Ekana’s pitches are reputed to use a mix of red soil and black soil, offering variation in bounce and pace. While the main stadium tends to be a slower, spinner-friendly track, the B Ground often appears slightly more balanced due to frequent maintenance and domestic-level rotations.
Generally:
- Spinners get grip in the middle overs
- Fast bowlers benefit early due to movement
- Batsmen must adapt to variable pace
Outfield & Drainage
One of the most important features of Ekana Sportz City is its world-class drainage system. Even after heavy rainfall, the outfield dries very quickly. This is crucial for tournaments with tight schedules.
Lighting & Training Readiness
Although not used for major night games like the main stadium, the B Ground does support practice lighting for evening sessions, especially during IPL camps and state training.
Facilities at Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground
Player & Team Facilities
Players enjoy multiple professional-level facilities such as:
- Modern dressing rooms
- Physiotherapy and medical areas
- Ice-bath and recovery rooms
- High-quality practice nets
- Indoor training setups
These features help teams prepare efficiently for competitive events.
Spectator Facilities
While the B Ground does not have the same 50,000+ seating as the main stadium, it still allows regulated public access during certain domestic matches. The available facilities include:
- Seating stands with partially shaded areas
- Clean washrooms
- Drinking water setups
- Food kiosks during major events
- Wheelchair-friendly paths
- Well-organized entry/exit routes
Media & Broadcasting
The B Ground has scoring and local broadcasting facilities mostly used for:
- Live streaming domestic matches
- Scorecard maintenance
- Tournament operations
It is not equipped for large-scale TV production, which remains exclusive to the main stadium.
Parking & Entry
Ekana Stadium has extensive parking zones:
- Two-wheeler section
- Four-wheeler section
- VIP parking lanes
- Designated drop-off zones
Visitors should follow security instructions since the complex has strict checking protocols.
Matches Hosted at Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground
Domestic Tournaments
Ekana B Ground frequently hosts matches from:
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
- Vijay Hazare Trophy (occasionally)
- Under-19 and Youth ODIs
- UPCA league games
- Practice games for IPL teams
Practice Matches & Warm-Ups
During IPL seasons, Lucknow Super Giants often use B Ground for:
- Simulated match scenarios
- Net sessions
- Warm-ups for upcoming fixtures
National camps and state selection trials also occur regularly.
Notable Performances
Though match data for B Ground is limited, available records highlight:
- High-scoring chases in domestic T20s
- Several four-wicket hauls by spinners
- Successful powerplay bowling spells for seamers
The ground’s size and pitch nature often produce competitive, balanced cricket.
Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground Pitch Report
T20 Pitch Analysis
In T20 matches played at B Ground:
- Average first-innings score is modest
- Teams tend to prefer batting first due to dry middle overs
- Spin dominates after the 7th over
- Pacers get movement for 2–3 overs
One-Day Match Behavior
In 50-over matches:
- Early overs favor seamers
- Middle overs slow down with turn
- Chasing becomes challenging if the pitch gets dry
- Dew can occasionally help teams batting second
Weather Impact
Lucknow’s weather influences pitch behavior:
- Winter: Slower track, heavy dew
- Summer: Dry pitch, sharp turn
- Monsoon: Quick drainage but humid outfield
Complete Stats & Records (B Ground Exclusive)
Ground Stats Table
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total T20 matches recorded | 3 (approx.) |
| Highest team total | Data varies by tournament |
| Lowest team total | Often below 120 in domestic T20s |
| Best bowling figures | 4–5 wickets (spinners dominate) |
| Highest individual score | 60+ (observed in youth and state matches) |
Common Patterns
- Strike rates drop in the middle overs
- Teams scoring above 150 in T20s generally win
- Spinners are the most successful bowlers
- Powerplay performance decides momentum
Comparison: B Ground vs Main Ekana Stadium
| Feature | B Ground | Main Stadium |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Usage | Domestic matches, practice | International matches, IPL games |
| Seating Capacity | Limited | 50,000–50,100 |
| Pitch Nature | Mixed, balanced | Slower, spin-friendly |
| Broadcasting | Basic | International-grade |
| Lighting | Practice | Full floodlights |
| Boundary Length | Long | Very long straight boundaries |
| Crowds | Controlled | Massive audience events |
The B Ground is ideal for training and domestic cricket, while the main stadium remains the centerpiece of major Indian cricket events.
Visitor Guide
Best Time to Visit
The winter season (October to February) is ideal due to mild weather. Evening visits during training can also be enjoyable.
Seating Tips
- Mid-wicket stands offer excellent views
- Square leg has the best shade during afternoon matches
- Straight boundaries provide depth perception for bowlers’ run-ups
Tickets
While not all B Ground matches require tickets, larger domestic events may use:
- Paytm Insider
- BookMyShow
- UPCA counters at the venue
Nearby Places & Amenities
Hotels
- Budget: Places in Gomti Nagar
- Mid-range: Hotels near Shaheed Path
- Luxury: 5-star options within 5–7 km
Food Options
Areas like Gomti Nagar and Patrakarpuram offer:
- Cafes
- Street food
- Fine dining
Emergency Services
Several hospitals, ATMs, and police outposts lie within a 3–5 km radius.
READ MORE >>> Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium Guide 2025
Future Development Plans
Ekana Sportz City continues expanding, with proposed upgrades including:
- Better spectator stands at B Ground
- Enhanced lighting for night practice
- Advanced pitches for international-level preparation
- Larger parking zones
These upgrades will help the B Ground support more broadcast-friendly domestic tournaments.
FAQs
Is Ekana B Ground used for IPL matches?
No, IPL matches are held in the main stadium, but B Ground is heavily used for training.
What is the capacity of B Ground?
Capacity is flexible and depends on temporary stands, usually far less than the main stadium.
Is the pitch batting or bowling friendly?
Balanced—spinners dominate later overs.
Is the ground open to spectators?
Yes, during approved domestic fixtures.
Final Summary
Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground is an essential part of India’s expanding cricket landscape. With high-quality pitches, strong infrastructure, controlled spectator access, and top-tier training facilities, this ground plays a vital role in developing domestic players, supporting IPL teams, and strengthening UP’s cricket ecosystem.
Whether you are a fan, a fantasy cricket player, a coach, or a traveler seeking cricket experiences in Lucknow, this guide gives you everything you need to know about this important cricket venue.