THE FAR PAVILION: WHAT GOES ON TOUR… STAYS
Whether you’re playing or watching, India has some fabulous cricketing establishments. The Viceroys have been lucky enough to be hosted at some of the finest grounds in the country.
A Viceroys team photo at the entrance to the incredible pavilion at Mumbai’s ICC.
ROSHANARA CRICKET CLUB, DELHI Guru Hanuman Marg, Roshanara Garden, Shakti Nagar, Delhi 7; roshanaraclub.com
PLAY: Post-Independence, Roshanara was where the seeds of the modern BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) were sewn.
STAY: In keeping with the colonial feel, The Imperial Hotel (theimperialindia. com) with its elegant art deco fascia and sculptured lawns is just 20-25 minutes’ drive from the ground. The Park (theparkhotels.com) on Parliament Street is a funkier, more playful option. There are plenty of safe and clean budget options available, like Bloom Rooms (staybloom.com).
EAT: Connaught Place is packed with eateries; United Coffee House (unitedcoffeehouse.in) is a multicuisine and, at over 75 years old, stands as the city’s first European style café. For a taste of Old Delhi the legendary Karim’s (karimhotels.in) is in touching distance from the ground.
THE CRICKET CLUB OF INDIA, BRABOURNE, MUMBAI
Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, Mumbai 20; thecricketclubofindia.com
PLAY: Spectacular is the only word to describe the Brabourne. From its firstrate facilities to its full-on stadia feel, the CCI is truly jaw dropping. It is a members club, but if you are affiliated to any of the better-known associations (Delhi Gymkhana, Madras Cricket Club, Calcutta Club), or have a contact that is happy to host you, go. It’s incredible.
STAY: The Taj Mahal Palace (tajhotels. com), for the luxury end of market, is a short taxi away. Slightly further afield, Lower Parel has the ITC Grand Central (itchotels.in), The St. Regis Mumbai (marriott.com), and Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai (fourseasons.com).
EAT: The legendary Leopold Café (Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba Causeway) still bares the pock marks of the 26/11 terrorism attack. Mahesh (maheshlunchhome.com) in Juhu is a favourite for its amazing fresh crab curry.
SECUNDERABAD CLUB, HYDERABAD Beside Jubilee Bus Station, 220
Picket, Secunderabad, Telangana; secunderabadclub.org
PLAY: Established by the British in 1878, The Secunderabad Club is one of the oldest cricket clubs in the country. It is housed in a 22 acre-campus and is home to trees that are over 100 years old. The Main Club House was recently awarded heritage status by the local administration. It’s probably the only Members’ Club to have its own dedicated Sailing Annexe.
STAY: Vivanta by Taj (tajhotels.com) is just 15 minutes away and is centrally located in Banjara Hills. For a more moderate fee, The Purple Leaf Hotel (thepurpleleafhotels.com) is a steal. EAT: The club has great facilities, if available to you. If not, then The Paradise Hotel (paradisefoodcourt.in) is a smash for biryani and a favourite of cricketer, Gautam Gambhir when he is in town. Al Fresco in Taj Krishna (tajhotels.com) offers the best Italian cuisine in town.
BITS PILANI GOA CAMPUS, GOA NH 17B, Bypass Road, Zuarinagar, Pilani, Sancoale, Goa 403726; universe.bits-pilani.ac.in/Goa
PLAY: The BITS Goa Campus has a BCCI recognised cricket ground. Its maintained by the Goa Cricket Association and has hosted several national tournaments. The Vijay Hazare Trophy is probably one of the better known competitions that takes place there. STAY: Bloom Rooms (staybloom.com) in Calangute offers well-appointed rooms. Otherwise, for those with deeper pockets, the ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa (itchotels. in) is just 20 minutes away. A little further afield, in North Goa, the Grand Hyatt Goa (hyatt.com) is one of the best-appointed properties in the state, overlooking the stunning waters of the Bambolim Bay. EAT: There’s shacks a plenty, but Vivenda Dos Palhacos (vivendagoa.com) is a sweet, laid back place that serves up excellent local cuisine. For a more indulgent experience, head to Martins Corner (martinscornergoa.com) for the freshest and tastiest seafood platters.