Chennai Super King’s home ground is one of the most popular venue for cricket all around the world. However, it is known by different names. Some call it “Chepauk,” while others refer to it as “MA Chidambaram Stadium,” on your lucky day you’ll also find someone using “MCC stadium,” to refer to the stadium.
But that leaves us with the question as to, what is the meaning of Chepauk? Who was MA Chidamaram? And what does MCC Stands for?
M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk Stadium, is one of the premier cricket grounds, providing a cricketing ambience that is as old as the game itself. This ground, which has been witness to many cricketing events in the past, is not only a sports stadium but also an emblem of the cricketing culture of Chennai.
However, the way this famous stadium got its name, Chepauk, is quite interesting. The history of this region starts in the 18th century with an introduction to the culture and history of the place. Then, it takes the reader through the colonial period and the period of cricketing success.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the enticing history of this beautiful stadium.
What is meaning of Chepauk?
The term Chepauk is one of the most associated name with the home ground of Chennai Super Kings. However, to understand the meaning of Chepauk, you’ll have to don the hat of a historian and linguist.
Jokes apart, the history of Chepauk’s name is quite interesting. It is said to have been derived from the word used in the Hindustani language, Che Baagh, meaning Six Gardens; these gardens were developed during the 18th century by the Nawab of Arcot, a powerful nobleman who influenced the area.
The Nawab was fond of gardens and thus developed six gardens that were a fusion of Mughal and South Indian style architecture. These gardens were beautiful, and the greenery and calmness of the area became the signature of the place.
Over the years, these gardens evolved into more than just the aesthetic elements of the area they belonged to. The locality around these gardens began to be called Chepauk, and this name has remained until today.
It was here, during the Bonduvar village of the historic gardens, that the erstwhile Madras Presidency under the British colonial government set the pace for a new direction of development of the region that would lead to the formation of one of India’s most famous cricket grounds.
History of Chepauk
The history of Chepauk dates back to 1859, when the oceanfront Chepauk Palace, owned by the Nawab of Arcot, was bought by the Madras Presidency for a sum of ₹ 589000. This can be considered a turning point in the cricketing history of Chennai city. With the palace ground coming under the jurisdiction of the Madras Presidency, the foundation was laid for a new cricket ground.
Madras Cricket Club (MCC) was a very active club in 1916, and it was this club that helped to set up Chepauk Stadium. The MCC gave land for building a cricket ground that became one of the most famous cricket stadiums in India.
Originally founded as the Madras Cricket Club Ground, Chepauk gained popularity among the locals and became one of the best cricket venues in the area. The first-ever Test match at the venue was scheduled for 1934 when the Indian cricket team played the English cricket team, and since then, Chepauk has become one of the most important cricket grounds in the country.
Evolution of Chepauk
It is worth mentioning the transformation of the Madras Cricket Club Ground into the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium as a fine example of effort, organization, and passion for the sport.
In 1982, the stadium was named after another great man, M. A. Chidambaram Chettiar, who played a significant role in the growth of Indian cricket.
Chidambaram had contributed immensely to the development of cricket administration in a manner that had not been seen before. As the President of TNCA and BCCI, he imparted leadership skills not limited to Chepauk Stadium.
Who is MA Chidambaram?
Muthiah Annamalai Chidambaram, popularly known as MAC, was a business tycoon and sports enthusiast in India. Born to the Chettiar community, known for its entrepreneurship and philanthropy, Chidambaram was always likely to be a leader and an innovator. Chidambaram’s father, Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar, was the Raja of Chettinad, and young Chidambaram was raised in a royal family rich in wealth, tradition, and power.
Chidambaram stepped into the world of entrepreneurship at the age of 31 when he set up Automobile Products of India Limited in 1946 as a scooter company based in Mumbai. He was very ambitious and had good business acumen, and so, at a very young age, he was appointed as the director of the Indian Aluminium Company.
However, Chidambaram did not only cater to the business world during his term of office. He also did a lot in the social service sector; he served as the Mayor of Madras in 1955 and the President of the Southern Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry between 1951 and 1957.
Legacy in Cricket Administration
Chidambaram’s real contribution, however, has been to the administration of cricket. He joined the board of BCCI in 1953 and became the Vice President of the bank in 1956. With effective management skills, he became the President of BCCI in the years 1960-1961. During his tenure in office, he was very keen on the growth of Indian cricket and was instrumental in the development of cricket in India.
He played a very active role in the renovation of M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, which has been a world-class cricket stadium. The stadium’s red soil pitch, which was expected to provide good bounce and carry, was preferred by the players as well as the fans. The stadium has an overall seating capacity of 50,000. During match days, the people of Chennai are noted to be very supportive and lively, and they always ensure that they contribute to the match through their cheers.
Chepauk: A Cricketing Fortress
The term ‘Chepauk’ has now become a phrase that is synonymous with cricket; it is a place that nurtures and gives birth to champions and sets records. The people of Chennai are very passionate and helpful, and the crowd’s presence in Chepauk really boosts the morale of every player in the match. The chants, slogans, and celebrations in the stadium make the environment rather unfriendly for the away team and quite encouraging for the home team.
Chepauk is known for its history and culture, and cricket is a sport that will be cherished and played for as long as people remember. The more domestic and international matches that are held in the stadium, the more one cannot help but pay homage to the great minds of the past, M.A. Chidambaram included, and the great legacy of Chepauk. It will always remain close to the heart of Indian cricket.
