Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (Hyderabad, Deccan)

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (RGICS) in Uppal after a need for a bigger ground and state-of-the-art cricketing facility arose.

Capacity: 55,000

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (RGICS) in Uppal was built after a need for a bigger ground and state-of-the-art cricketing facility arose.

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) did not have complete control over the earlier venue - Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, which was owned by Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh.

When built in 20014, the stadium was initially known as the Visaka International Cricket Stadium Ground. However, the state government changed that name to honour the former Prime Minister of India.

Built over 16 acres of land, the stadium boasts of commentators room, corporate boxes, exclusive room for umpires, practice area, reception lounge and state-of-the-art dressing rooms for teams

The main reception hall at the RGICS is home to memorabilia and picture galleries of those personalities who have made significant contributions to HCA.

The venue is equipped to host day-night matches as six towers with flood lights, commissioned in April 2007, illuminate the stadium.

The twin ends of this stadium are known as the pavilion end and VVS Laxman end.

The RGICS was initially home to the Deccan Chargers. Now, Sunrisers Hyderabad play their home matches in the Indian Premier League here.