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M. A. Chidambaram Stadium - Chennai's International Venue for Cricket matches Today, being my final day in Chennai, I decided to look at the local sporting facilities. I'm a huge cricket fan myself so I knew it was something I had to do. Cricket is a huge part of life in India as it is the national game and is almost played religiously. I woke up at 8am and decided to check it out. The only negative experience I found was the way the local Indians talked about my Australian cricket team! The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (formerly known as Madras Cricket Club ground or Chepauk Stadium) in Chepauk and popularly called the MAC, is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in India built in 1916. It seats more than 50,000 and is home to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. The stadium is famous for its list of records, including the first ever test match victory that India recorded in 1951–52 when they defeated England, and the second (of only two till date) tied tests (India vs. Australia, 1986). But more than the records, what stands out at Chepauk is the atmosphere and the crowd, reputed to be the most knowledgeable and appreciative in the country. This was proved when those present gave a standing ovation to Saeed Anwar after his record breaking 194 against India in the Independence Cup match in 1997 and again when Pakistan won the Test match in 1999. A truly overwhelmed Pakistani team even made a lap of honour in appreciation of the spectators' sporting behaviour. The Chemplast Cricket Ground in the IIT Madras campus is another important cricket venue. Well, that's it for my trip in Chennai! I truly have fallen in love with the local culture and surroundings. Until next time!