Originally a fort built by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century, the Feroz Shah Kotla first hosted a cricket match back in 1883. The place has seen some pretty awesome cricket - a tenth wicket stand in 1952 for 109 runs and Kumble's famous ten wicket haul against Pakistan in 1999 - but currently rests on some shaky ground. Pitch conditions in the stadium have not always been optimally maintained by the infamous Delhi District Cricket Association and the stadium was banned by the ICC for 12 months in 2009 for unsafe pitch conditions.
But spectators say the old fort gives an atmosphere second-to-none in the country since the high, vaulted stands give the feeling that the supporters are going to crash into the pitch. Packed to capacity the stadium can accommodate 48,000 fans and boasts a unique record - the Indian team has been unbeaten here for two decades now.
Delhi itself is a tourist’s dream. Packed to the rafters with ancient Mughal architecture, you can spend the entire day just flitting from the Red Fort to the Qutab Minar to the Lodhi Gardens and finish at the majestic Humayun's Tomb.
A foodie heaven, the street cuisine of Delhi is famous for its non-vegetarian dishes. Head over to the Jama Masjid to be in awe of the mosque and to tuck into pre-match kebabs in the eateries surrounding it. If you are a compulsive shopper, head down to Khan Market for everything from great discounts to exquisite tailor-made suits.
Text: Vinayak Hegde (with inputs from agencies)
Images: AP/AFP
Full Coverage: World Cup 2011
But spectators say the old fort gives an atmosphere second-to-none in the country since the high, vaulted stands give the feeling that the supporters are going to crash into the pitch. Packed to capacity the stadium can accommodate 48,000 fans and boasts a unique record - the Indian team has been unbeaten here for two decades now.
Delhi itself is a tourist’s dream. Packed to the rafters with ancient Mughal architecture, you can spend the entire day just flitting from the Red Fort to the Qutab Minar to the Lodhi Gardens and finish at the majestic Humayun's Tomb.
A foodie heaven, the street cuisine of Delhi is famous for its non-vegetarian dishes. Head over to the Jama Masjid to be in awe of the mosque and to tuck into pre-match kebabs in the eateries surrounding it. If you are a compulsive shopper, head down to Khan Market for everything from great discounts to exquisite tailor-made suits.
Text: Vinayak Hegde (with inputs from agencies)
Images: AP/AFP
Full Coverage: World Cup 2011
