When India and Afghanistan faced off on June 6th, the match did more than just renew a historic subcontinental rivalry—it added a brand-new chapter to India's vast cricketing landscape.

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, officially made its debut as a Test cricket venue. With this historic match, Mullanpur became the 31st distinct Test venue in India.

A Special Homecoming for the Captain

The venue’s debut carries extra emotional weight for the Indian camp. The stadium operates under the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), making it the ultimate home ground for Indian captain Shubman Gill. Leading the national side out on the very turf where he honed his skills adds a poetic touch to Mullanpur’s historic first cap.

Global Dominance: India vs. The World

India's 31 venues showcase the sheer scale and infrastructure depth of cricket in the country. To put India’s massive stadium library into perspective, the country boasts more active Test venues than several traditional powerhouse nations combined:

The Combined Stat: With 31 venues, India has more Test grounds than Pakistan (16) and Australia (11) combined (27).

From 1933 to 2026: A Rich Legacy

While Mullanpur represents the ultra-modern future of Indian cricket, the roots of the game in India stretch back nearly a century.

India hosted its very first Test match all the way back in 1933, when the national team clashed with England at the Bombay Gymkhana. While that venue passed the torch down to modern stadiums long ago, Kolkata's legendary Eden Gardens remains the country's oldest active Test ground, having hosted its inaugural match in 1934.

Mullanpur now joins this elite lineage, bridging India’s unmatched historic legacy with a bright, state-of-the-art future.