The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA International Stadium in Mullanpur marked a historic milestone on Saturday by hosting its first-ever Test match, as India took on Afghanistan. However, the occasion was met with sparse attendance, underscoring the ongoing challenge Test cricket faces in drawing large crowds in India.
First Delivery and Historic Moment
Afghanistan's Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi bowled the first Test match delivery at the venue to Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who flicked it towards deep square leg, signaling the start of a new chapter for the stadium. Despite the significance of the event, the stands remained largely empty, a stark contrast to the electrifying atmosphere seen during recent T20 matches held at the same venue.
Attendance and Heat Concerns
While officials expect attendance to pick up as the day progresses, the intense June heat is likely to prevent the 35,000-capacity stadium from reaching full occupancy. The sparse turnout highlights the difficulties Test cricket encounters in attracting spectators, especially in a country where limited-overs formats dominate fan interest.
Organizational Challenges
The hosting association appeared unprepared for the inaugural Test match. Media personnel arriving from various parts of the country reported a lack of basic amenities, such as drinking water and refreshments, in the morning. It was claimed that police restrictions prevented workers from entering the stadium on time to complete preparations. The issue was resolved only after the match began, following intervention by senior journalists.
Stadium's Journey to Test Status
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium became India's 31st Test venue on Saturday. It made its international debut with a T20 International between India and South Africa in December last year. The stadium has also hosted two women's ODIs between India and Australia in September 2025, along with IPL matches for three seasons, including playoff fixtures on two occasions.
Spectator Reactions
Local spectators expressed mixed feelings about the turnout. Pritish, a spectator who came for the first session, said, "I came to watch the first session and will return to my routine work afterwards. My friends will come for the afternoon session. There will be a good crowd on Sunday." Another spectator, Amit, noted, "Had India been playing some other team, the crowd might have been larger. I think more people will come as the day progresses, especially those who have been invited and have never experienced a live match before."
Unlike during IPL matches, roads around the venue remained free of congestion, with vehicles passing through security checkpoints smoothly and without restrictions. This further emphasized the subdued atmosphere surrounding the historic Test.
