With the backdrop of the Dalma Hills and the chimneys of the Tata Steel factories, the Keenan Stadium provides a picturesque setting for cricket. The stadium has been named after John Lawrence Keenan, a former general manager at Tata Steel. Built in 1939 at an estimated cost of just Rs.25,000, the venue made its first-class debut in December that year, when Bihar hosted a Ranji Trophy match against Bengal. Despite hosting first-class matches and warm-up games for the touring teams quite regularly, the Keenan Stadium got its first international game only in 1983-84, when Clive Lloyd's West Indians were on Mission Revenge after being shocked in the World Cup final. This match was famous for a blistering 221-run partnership between Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards - a second-wicket record for West Indies - as both repeatedly blasted the ball beyond the small ground and into the street outside. The ground also has a reputation for a firm pitch and a superb, lush-green outfield, but what has not been so endearing to visiting teams is the behaviour of the crowd here - more than one game has been temporarily disrupted due to their unruly behaviour.

Since being built in 1939 the ground has hosted Ranji Trophy

Ranji Trophy

The Ranji Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket championship played in India between different city and state sides, equivalent to the County Championship in England and the Sheffield Shield in Australia...

 matches for the Bihar now Jharkhand cricket team. The venue staged its first international match in December 1983 when West Indies beat India in a One Day International. The ground has staged a further 9 One Day Internationals out of which India has won only 1, the most recent in April 2006 when England beat India by five wickets.This stadium became infamous, for crowd turning violent and throwing crackers on field during India v/s WestIndies match in 2002/03.

External links

• Cricinfo.